Ameloblastoma is a rare disorder of the jaw involving abnormal tissue growth. The resulting tumors or cysts are usually not malignant (benign) but the tissue growth may be aggressive in the involved area. On occasion, tissue near the jaws, such as around the sinuses and eye sockets, may become involved as well. The tissues involved are most often those that give rise to the teeth so ameloblastoma may cause facial distortion. Malignancy is uncommon as are metastases, but they do occur.
Ameloblastoma is a rare, noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops most often in the jaw near the molars. Ameloblastoma begins in the cells that form the protective enamel lining on your teeth. The most common type of ameloblastoma is aggressive, forming a large tumor and growing into the jawbone.
Causes
The cause of ameloblastoma is not understood. Causes may include injury to the mouth or jaw, infections of the teeth or gums, or inflammation of these same areas. Infections by viruses or lack of protein or minerals in the person’s diet are also suspected of causing the growth or development of these tumors. In general, however, scientists do not understand the cause of cysts and tumors, nor the reasons why they can become malignant.
Diagnosis
Ameloblastoma can show up either in a regular x-ray or in an MRI imaging study.
Treatment
Surgical removal of the affected tissue is the preferred treatment. A wide margin of healthy tissue should be removed from the treated area to keep the chance of tumor regrowth to a minimum. If the tumor does reoccur, surgery is performed again.
If there is a malignant spread of the tumor, radiation is the treatment choice. Chemotherapy is usually not as effective in these cases.
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