Ameloblastoma

Overview

Ameloblastomas are rare tumors that are usually noncancerous (benign). However, they grow quickly and can change and destroy bone around them. Ameloblastoma develops in the jaw, often at the site of the third molar, and rarely involves tissue from the eye sockets or sinuses. The tumor forms from remnants of cells that, under normal circumstances, develop into tooth enamel. Long-term follow-up is necessary because ameloblastomas can recur.

Symptoms of ameloblastoma may include facial deformity, dentures or bridges that do not fit, facial swelling, ulcers on your jaw, difficulty moving your jaw, swelling, pain or numbness in your jaw, pain around your teeth, loosening of your teeth or numbness in your mouth.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise, experience and teamwork. A team of experienced medical and surgical specialists join forces to develop the best comprehensive plan for treating your ameloblastoma. Often reconstruction of the jaw is needed. At Mayo Clinic, the cancer surgeons and the reconstructive surgeons work together to do all of the treatment during one surgery.
• Advanced technology. Mayo makes extensive use of advanced technology to improve your chances for positive outcomes. Computer modeling is often done to ensure reconstruction restores the normal facial structure and appearance as much as possible.
• World-famous services. Mayo Clinic doctors are internationally known for their diagnostic and treatment skills. With one of the largest clinical laboratories in the world, Mayo pathologists analyze tissue not only for Mayo patients but also for patients across the U.S. and around the world.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, recognizing scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.