Ameloblastoma in a Glance

Ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma, formerly known as Adamantinoma is a medical disorder of the jaw which may sometimes affect the tissues of the sinus, nose and eye sockets.

Though a noncancerous dental tumor, Ameloblastoma can be very aggressive and could cause serious damage.

Here are 10 basic things you should know about this condition.

1. This noncancerous tumor was first recognised by Cusak in 1827 and later named Ameloblastoma in 1930 by Ivey and Churchill. 
2.  Ameloblastoma is common among people between the age of 20-40 years
3. Children hardly have this disorder. 
4.  Ameloblastoma has a gradual growth with no initial symptoms and rarely spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. 
5. Unicystic Ameloblastoma, Multicystic Ameloblastoma, Peripheral Ameloblastoma and Malignant Ameloblastoma are the four types of Ameloblastoma. 
6.  Some of the later signs and symptoms of Ameloblastoma are painless facial swelling, distorted face, periodontal disease, difficulty breathing, disorganised and loosed dentition, and difficulty chewing. 
7. Ameloblastoma is curable and the only certified cure is radical surgical resection. This involves surgically removing the full extent of the tumour and the surrounding tissues. 
8. A 10-year after-surgery medical checkup is necessary because Ameloblastoma has a high recurrence rate. It may recur years following surgery. 
9. It is associated with the formation of the teeth 

10. If left untreated, Ameloblastoma could block the oral and nasal orifice and make breathing entirely difficult. 

photo credit: clinicalimagingscience