FEARNE Cotton is one of a handful of people diagnosed with a jaw tumour in the UK each year.
The TV presenter revealed yesterday that she will undergo an operation to remove two benign growths from her face.
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In the video shared on Instagram, the 43-year-old said: “I’ve got a benign tumour just in my jaw here, below my ear, another little tiny one above it.
“I’m very grateful they’re benign but they do need to come out because they’re on a nerve.
“So I’m gonna have that surgery, and then I’m gonna be resting to get better before Christmas.”
There aren’t exact figures on the number of people diagnosed with jaw tumours annually here in the UK, but we know they are rare.
The growths typically develop in the jawbone or the soft tissues in the mouth and face.
As in Fearne’s case, most jaw tumours are noncancerous, or benign.
However, they can be aggressive, potentially spreading, displacing, or damaging nearby bone, tissue, and teeth.
While many tumours grow slowly and don’t cause noticeable symptoms, Fearne herself shared, that she “felt a lump under [her] ear on my jawline a while ago now but this year noticed it was growing”.
She added: “Turns out it’s a benign tumour and another small one above it on the saliva gland.”
Some people might not know they have a jaw tumour until they show up incidentally on a dental X-ray, according to The Cleveland Clinic.
But large growths that start to take the place of nearby healthy tissue can cause symptoms, including:
- Jaw pain, tenderness or numbness.
- Swelling (may or may not be painless)
- Changes in the way your face looks
- A new lump on your jawbone (may be hard or soft)
- Changing bite
- Loose teeth
In most cases, surgery is the go-to option for getting rid of the tumour.
Along with taking out the growth, the surgeon might also remove any nearby tissue that’s been affected, just to be on the safe side.
This might involve removing damaged teeth or parts of the jaw.
If it’s the lower jaw, the procedure is called a mandibulectomy, while surgery on the upper jaw is known as a maxillectomy.
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Following the op, some treatments might be necessary to help with recovery, including reconstructive surgery and speech therapy.
The podcast host revealed she has been supported by fellow presenter Davina McCall, who recently had surgery on a rare brain tumour.
The former Big Brother host said she was recovering from brain surgery last month which was to remove a “very rare” colloid cyst – a type of fluid-filled benign tumour in the brain.
Can jaw tumours turn into jaw cancer?
While most jaw tumours are benign, some have the potential to become cancerous.
For instance, certain types like ameloblastomas, though usually noncancerous, can very rarely transform into malignant forms, capable of spreading to other parts of the body.
This risk increases if the tumour grows aggressively or recurs after treatment.
Genetic mutations play a significant role in this process, as they can cause cells in the tumour to grow uncontrollably.
Chronic irritation, such as long-term inflammation from infections or untreated dental issues, may also contribute to these changes.
Additionally, individuals with genetic conditions like Gorlin syndrome are at higher risk, as these syndromes often disrupt normal cell growth and repair processes.
If a jaw tumour shows persistent or worsening symptoms, such as swelling, pain, or changes in the jawbone structure, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
Early diagnosis and monitoring are key to preventing potential malignant transformation.
Souces: Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic
In an update last week, the 57-year-old said she was feeling “much better” after having the 14mm growth removed in a gruelling six-hour operation.
She previously said she was experiencing issues with short-term memory loss – but now says she’s seeing a major improvement.
