Cementomas is a medical term used to describe a rare benign bone tumor that occurs in the oral and maxillofacial area. The spelling of this word is based on the Greek word for cement, which is "kemen" (IPA: /ˈkɛ.mɛn/). The "-oma" suffix denotes a mass or a tumor. The correct way to pronounce Cementomas is "suh-men-tuh-muhz" (IPA: /səˈmɛn.tə.məz/). Although it is a difficult term to spell and pronounce, Cementomas can be treated with surgical removal and the prognosis is generally good.
Cementomas, also known as cemento-osseous dysplasias, refer to a group of benign fibro-osseous lesions that affect the jaws and surrounding structures. This condition is characterized by the abnormal growth and development of cementum-like tissue within the bone, leading to the replacement of normal bone.
Cementomas can be classified into three types: periapical cemental dysplasia, focal cemento-osseous dysplasia, and florid cemento-osseous dysplasia. Periapical cemental dysplasia occurs near the roots of teeth, usually in the anterior region of the mandible, while focal cemento-osseous dysplasia affects a single site in the jaws. Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia involves multiple quadrants of the jaws and is most commonly seen in middle-aged women of African or Caribbean descent.
Symptoms of cementomas may include pain, swelling, and an enlargement of the affected area. However, in many cases, cementomas are asymptomatic and are incidentally discovered during routine dental x-rays. Treatment is typically unnecessary unless the lesions become symptomatic or interfere with oral function. In such cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the affected tissue.
The exact cause of cementomas is still unclear, but they are believed to result from an abnormal response of bone-forming cells to injury or irritation. While cementomas are benign and do not progress to malignancy, they may cause cosmetic concerns or complications if they encroach upon adjacent structures, such as teeth or nerves.
In conclusion, cementomas are benign fibro-osseous lesions characterized by an abnormal growth of cementum-like tissue within the jaws. They can be classified into different types based on their location and extent. Treatment is generally
The word "cementomas" is derived from the combination of two components: "cementum" and "-oma".
1. "Cementum": Cementum refers to a specialized connective tissue that covers the tooth roots. It helps to anchor the teeth to the surrounding structures. The term "cementum" itself traces back to the Latin word "cementum", meaning "stone chips for making mortar". In the context of dentistry, cementum describes the mineralized tissue resembling cement, which covers the root of the tooth.
2. "-oma": The suffix "-oma" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a benign or malignant tumor or growth. It derives from the Greek word "oma", which means "tumor" or "swelling".
Combining these two components, "cementomas" refers to benign tumors or growths that occur in the cementum of the tooth roots.