Ameloblastoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Ameloblastoma is a rare tumor that develops in the jaw, usually around the wisdom teeth or molars. This growth forms from cells that create tooth enamel.
Though not often cancerous, these tumors can grow large and cause problems with eating, speaking, and facial appearance.
Several types of ameloblastoma exist, each with unique features:
- Conventional/Solid Ameloblastoma: Most common type that grows slowly but can invade nearby tissues.
- Unicystic Ameloblastoma: Forms as a single fluid-filled sac, often seen in younger patients.
- Peripheral Ameloblastoma: Develops in the gum tissue rather than inside the jawbone.
- Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma: Contains dense fibrous tissue and appears more on the front of the jaw.
- Malignant Ameloblastoma: Very rare form that can spread to other body parts.
The type affects treatment choices and recovery outlook. Doctors identify the specific type through imaging tests and tissue samples.
Signs and Symptoms
Ameloblastoma often starts without causing noticeable symptoms. People may not realize they have this tumor until it grows larger or is discovered during a routine dental exam. These tumors typically grow slowly but steadily.
Common signs that may develop include:
- Painless swelling or lump in the jaw area
- Loose teeth
- Pain in the jaw (less common)
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth area
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting
- Facial asymmetry (uneven appearance)
In rare cases, ameloblastoma can cause:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nasal congestion (if the tumor grows upward)
- Issues with dentures fitting properly
When To Contact a Healthcare Provider
You should make an appointment with a dentist or doctor if you notice:
- Any unusual swelling in your jaw
- Loose teeth without an obvious cause
- Persistent pain in your mouth or jaw
- Changes in how your teeth align
- Numbness in your face or mouth area
What Causes Ameloblastoma?
Ameloblastoma develops from cells that form tooth enamel during normal tooth development. Several factors may contribute to the growth of these tumors.
Genetic mutations play a key role in ameloblastoma formation. Changes in genes like BRAF, SMO, and KRAS can trigger abnormal cell growth in the jaw. About 60% of ameloblastomas show mutations in the BRAF gene.
Cell development issues also contribute to this condition. Problems may occur when dental tissue doesn’t develop properly during tooth formation.
The exact trigger for ameloblastoma remains unclear, but researchers have identified some possible risk factors:
- Previous radiation to the jaw area
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Injuries to the mouth or jaw
- Infection in the teeth or gums
- Certain viral infections
Unlike some other tumors, ameloblastoma doesn’t appear to be directly linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol use.
Most cases of ameloblastoma occur randomly with no clear cause.
Complications
Ameloblastoma can cause several serious problems if not treated promptly. The tumor typically grows slowly but steadily, expanding the jawbone and causing significant facial deformity over time. This can lead to both functional and aesthetic issues.
The growth may interfere with chewing, speaking, and breathing. As the tumor expands, it can displace teeth, causing misalignment and bite problems. In severe cases, ameloblastoma can weaken the jawbone to the point where pathological fractures occur.
Treatment often requires extensive surgery that may involve removing portions of the jaw. This can result in:
- Facial asymmetry
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Need for dental implants or prosthetics
- Multiple reconstructive surgeries
Untreated ameloblastoma has a high recurrence rate.
The tumor rarely spreads to other parts of the body (metastasizes), but when it does, it most commonly affects the lungs. This metastatic form has a poorer prognosis and requires more aggressive treatment approaches.
