Ameloblastoma

Epidemiology

Ameloblastoma (also known as adamantinoma, adamantoblastoma, basaloma, and epithelioma ameloblastoides) is the most common odontogenic tumor and accounts for 11% of all odontogenic neoplasms. However, it remains an uncommon lesion, accounting for about 1% of all tumors and cysts arising in the jaw. Two thirds of all patients are between the ages of 20 and 49 years, with a mean age of 39 years. There is no known sex or ethnic predilection.

Clinical Findings

Ameloblastomas are slow-growing neoplasms. Seventy-five percent of patients have swelling as the main complaint, whereas 25% present with pain. Other manifestations include mobile teeth, ill-fitting dentures, ulcerations, draining sinuses, and nasal obstruction. Patients may complain of gradual facial deformity that may be painful. Perineural infiltration of the inferior alveolar nerve may present with pain and paresthesia over the lower lip. A history of prior tooth extraction or root canal treatment may also be encountered. Associated soft tissue masses are unusual and are more commonly seen in recurrent tumors. Metastases are uncommon but have been reported in recurrent lesions. The location of metastases includes the lungs, liver, and bones.