15-year-old diagnosed with rare jaw tumour requiring reconstruction

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 02:20 · Archive

A 15-year-old boy in New South Wales has been diagnosed with ameloblastoma, a rare aggressive tumour, after an earache led to its discovery.

Matthew Williams, a 15-year-old from Port Macquarie in New South Wales, was diagnosed in August with ameloblastoma, a rare slow-growing but aggressive tumour in his jaw. He first complained to his mother about an earache and sore jaw in July, symptoms initially treated as swimmer's ear with antibiotics. When the symptoms did not improve, a dentist's X-ray revealed what his mother described as 'this big black blur', prompting referral to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for further investigation.

Doctors found an aggressive tumour growing inside Matthew's jaw, destroying bone and tissue. Matthew underwent hours of testing and a biopsy before receiving his diagnosis. His mother, Jen Williams, said doctors told her the tumour was rare in boys his age and could be of various types. She described learning of the diagnosis as difficult, saying 'It's tough to watch anyone get that diagnosis, let alone your own son.'

Matthew now faces major surgery to reconstruct his jaw using bone harvested from his own body.

How it is being reported

• Matthew Williams: 15yo NSW boy diagnosed with rare tumour requiring jaw reconstructionA harmless earache has left a 15-year-old boy facing major surgeries to rebuild his jaw using bone harvested from his own body.Perth Now · 1 Nov, 02:07
• Matthew Williams: 15yo NSW boy diagnosed with rare tumour requiring jaw reconstructionA harmless earache has left a 15-year-old boy facing major surgeries to rebuild his jaw using bone harvested from his own body.The West Australian · 1 Nov, 02:07

In this story: Matthew Williams · Jen Williams · Port Macquarie · John Hunter Hospital · Newcastle

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