Section Editor: Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 23, 2026
The jaw is made up of two bones: the maxilla (upper jaw) and the mandible (lower jaw). These bones hold the teeth and support the shape of the face. Because the jaw bones develop alongside the teeth, they can give rise to a unique set of cysts and tumors, many of which form from the same cells that make teeth. Doctors call these odontogenic conditions. When tissue is removed from the jaw, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the jaw bones. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cysts of the jaw
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. The cysts described here are not cancer. They develop in the jaw bones, often in connection with a tooth, and are usually treated by removing the cyst. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Odontogenic cyst is the general name for a cyst that develops in the jaw from the cells that form teeth. This article gives an overview of these cysts and what your pathology report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an odontogenic cyst, or you want a general overview before reading about a specific type.
A radicular cyst is the most common cyst of the jaw. It forms at the root of a tooth that has died, usually because of decay or injury. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a radicular cyst, a periapical cyst, or a cyst at the root of a tooth.
A dentigerous cyst forms around the crown of a tooth that has not come through the gum. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a dentigerous cyst, or a cyst around an unerupted or impacted tooth.
An odontogenic keratocyst is a cyst of the jaw known for its lining of keratin-producing cells and its tendency to come back after treatment. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an odontogenic keratocyst, sometimes shortened to OKC.
Noncancerous tumors of the jaw
These diagnoses are noncancerous tumors that develop in the jaw bone. They do not spread to other parts of the body, although some can grow large or come back after treatment, so follow-up may be needed. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Ameloblastoma is a noncancerous tumor that develops from the cells that form the enamel of teeth. It grows slowly but can become large and may come back after treatment. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an ameloblastoma of the jaw.
An odontoma is a common, noncancerous growth made of the same tissues that form normal teeth. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an odontoma, or a tooth-like growth in the jaw.
Cemento-ossifying fibroma is a noncancerous tumor of the jaw made of fibrous tissue along with bone and a tooth-related material called cementum. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a cemento-ossifying fibroma, sometimes shortened to COF.
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