Ameloblastoma

Diagnosis

Your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical exam which may include these tests to determine the extent and severity of your condition. In tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of radiation overexposure.

• X-rays. X-rays create a 1-D image of the head and neck to help doctors locate abnormalities in your jaw.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. The CT scan creates 2-D images of your head and neck that may show whether the ameloblastoma has invaded other tissues or organs.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to make 3-D images that can show small abnormalities in your head and neck. Doctors also use MRI to determine whether the ameloblastoma has spread to the eye socket or sinuses.
• Biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a piece of the tumor for viewing under a microscope to help determine whether the tumor contains benign or cancer (malignant) cells.

Read more about CT scan, MRI and biopsy at MayoClinic.com.