Ameloblastoma overview
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Ameloblastoma overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2]
Overview
Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium (the cells that create the enamel, or outside portion, of the teeth during development) much more commonly appearing in the mandible than the maxilla. While these tumors are rarely malignant or metastatic (that is, they rarely spread to other parts of the body), and progress slowly, the resulting lesions can cause severe abnormalities of the face and jaw. Additionally, because abnormal cell growth easily infiltrates and destroys surrounding bony tissues, wide surgical excision is required to treat this disorder. Further, dentists caution that wide surgical excision is not invasive enough to adequately treat this disorder. Odontogenic tumors comprise of a complex group of lesions of diverse histopathological types and clinical behavior. Of all swellings of the oral cavity, 9% are odontogenic tumors and within this group, ameloblastoma accounts for 1% of lesions. WHO defines it as a locally invasive polymorphic neoplasia that often has a follicular or plexiform pattern in a fibrous stroma. Its behavior has been described as being benign but locally aggressive. In 20% of all cases the tumor can be found in the upper jaw, predominantly in the canine or molar region. Within the mandible, 70% are located in the molar region or the ascending ramus, 20% in the premolar region and 10% in the anterior part. Ameloblastomas occur with equal frequency in both sexes. An Ameloblastoma is a rare tumor involving excess tissue growths around the jaw. It can occur either in the lower jaw or upper jaw bones. Commonly, the tumor occurs near the un-erupted teeth of the molars. Statistically, only 1% of all jaw tumors are Ameloblastomas and in most cases the growth is usually benign (non-cancerous) and non-metastatic (they do not spread). However, these tumors may be locally very aggressive, causing bone destruction at the tumor site. The abnormal growths are formed from cell parts that in normal cases would have turned into tooth enamel. If the condition is severe, then the tissue growth may even cause facial deformity. A diagnosis of Ameloblastoma is made through radiology imaging and biopsy of the tumor Generally, a surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred treatment method; though, recurrence of Ameloblastoma after surgery is a possibility