Lower Jaw Pain Caused by Bone Metastases
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What is Lower Jaw Pain?
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Chronic, acute or inflammatory pain along the lower jaw leading up to the joint is commonly known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). There are many causes, all of which are not fully known or explored. Poor tooth alignment, cavities and other dental work can cause a person to hold his jaw awkwardly, such as with an under or overbite. This odd positioning can take a toll on the ligaments supporting the temporomandibular joint and cause the jaw to fall out of alignment. Aside from the chronic, flaring lower jaw pain for which it is known, it's common to hear a clicking sound as the jaw partially comes out of joint when chewing.
What is Bone Metastases?
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The osteoblast is a cell found in the bones of all living things, which is responsible for the reproduction and growth of new bone cells. Sometimes cancer cells can infect the osteoblasts and force them to begin the production of new, abnormal bone cells. This causes odd growths within and outside the bone's pre-existing structure, as well as many other skeletal problems. Also, cancerous tumors in the bones can force the secretion of bone extracellular matrix proteins, stimulating the healthy osteoblasts into uncontrolled growth. In either case, uncontrolled bone growth resulting from cancer is known as bone metastases.
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How Can Bone Metastases Cause Lower Jaw Pain?
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Bone metastases can cause lower jaw pain in two different ways. The growth can occur on the exterior of the bone near the temporomandibular joints, resulting in TMD as the new growth pushes the jaw out of the socket. Also, bone metastases can occur within the hollow chamber of the jaw where bone marrow resides. It essentially crowds the interior of the bone so much that the stress from the interior pressure causes excruciating lower jaw pain and, if not treated, a jaw that breaks open from within.
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