78-Year-Old Man Goes to Dentist for Toothache Treatment, Gets Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

According to The US Sun, the elderly patient visited his dentist complaining of discomfort caused by a loose lower left premolar. The tooth was extracted, but the patient later experienced persistent swelling in his jaw.

Concerned about the swelling, he returned for a follow-up, which led to a CT scan revealing a lesion in his jaw. Further tests confirmed it was metastatic prostate cancer, a condition where prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

"Prostate cancer, like many other cancers, can metastasize to the jaw," said Dr. Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, told The US Sun. "This is because the jawbone has a rich blood supply and active bone marrow, making it a favourable site for metastatic cancer cells to settle and grow."

Metastatic prostate cancer is relatively rare in the jaw, but when it does occur, it’s usually a sign that the cancer has spread widely. Symptoms of jaw metastases can be subtle and often mimic more common dental problems, which can make it harder for dentists to detect more serious underlying conditions.

"Patients may experience symptoms such as persistent swelling in the jaw, pain, loose teeth without an obvious cause, or delayed healing after dental extractions," Dr. Bozic explained. "They may also notice numbness or tingling in the jaw, which can signal nerve involvement."

Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), and blood in the urine. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes, which is why it’s important to pay attention to any unusual signs, both for dental and medical health.

The case serves as a powerful reminder for older individuals and healthcare providers to pay attention to subtle symptoms that may initially seem benign. Persistent oral discomfort, swelling, or loose teeth should never be ignored, particularly in patients with risk factors for systemic diseases such as cancer.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer forms when cells in the prostate gland divide faster than usual. While normal cells eventually die, cancer cells do not; they continue to multiply and grow into a tumour. As the cells keep proliferating, parts of the tumour can break off and spread to other parts of the body.

While the exact cause of prostate cancer remains uncertain, several factors are known to increase the risk. Age is the most significant, with the risk rising after 50. A family history of prostate cancer also increases the likelihood, along with genetic mutations such as changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

The testosterone levels may further encourage cancer cell growth. Fortunately, prostate cancer tends to grow slowly, and most tumours are diagnosed before the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.