Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign tumor of the jawbone that is usually found in adults. It is a slow-growing tumor that can cause facial disfigurement if left untreated. It is most commonly found in the mandible (lower jaw) but can occur in the maxilla (upper jaw) as well. The tumor is composed of a mix of connective tissue, ameloblasts (cells that form enamel), and odontogenic epithelium (cells that form dentin). It is thought to arise from the epithelial lining of the dental lamina, the tissue responsible for the development of the teeth.
Most cases of ameloblastoma are asymptomatic until they are large enough to cause facial disfigurement or pain. The most common symptom is a slow-growing, painless lump in the jaw. Other symptoms include swelling and numbness in the affected area. Diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging tests such as CT and MRI.
Treatment for ameloblastoma usually involves surgical removal of the tumor. If the tumor is small, it may be possible to remove it with an enucleation procedure, in which only the tumor is removed and the surrounding bone is left intact. If the tumor is larger, a larger portion of the bone may need to be removed. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Ameloblastoma is a rare type of tumor, and it is important to seek early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent disfigurement or other complications.
