The risk of the tumour spreading to other areas of the body is very low, at less than 2%, but if spread does occur it is most likely to be to the lungs, the lymph nodes, the brain or the skin (1,4,5). Statistically, only 1% of all jaw tumours are ameloblastomas and in most cases the growth is benign (non-cancerous) and non-metastatic (they do not spread). As this tumour type originates in the tissues that give rise to teeth, bone destruction can result in some facial distortion (2,3). We describe this behaviour as ‘locally aggressive’, which can cause swelling and bone destruction at the site of the ameloblastoma. it tends to be more common in Asian and African continents.Īlthough ameloblastomas tend to be slow-growing, non-cancerous tumours, they can occasionally become aggressive and affect tissues surrounding the jaw area, such as the floor of the mouth, tonsil area, sinuses or eye-sockets as well as nerves and blood vessels. The remaining 20% of cases occur in the upper jaw bone (known as the maxilla), or present in both the mandible and the maxilla simultaneously (1).Īmeloblastoma is very rare in Europe, America & Australia. These tumours occur most frequently in the lower jaw bone (known as the mandible), with approximately 80% of reported ameloblastomas occurring here. Ameloblastomas grow from the cells which give rise to the enamel (outer layer of the teeth). It is very common for this tumour to occur around the position of the third molar tooth (known as the wisdom tooth).
Our Support Groups & Local Support to YouĪmeloblastoma is a rare, benign, tumour of the bone which can occur in the lower or upper jaw bone.Educational resources for healthcare professionals.Provide Feedback On Our Information Services.Living with, and beyond, primary bone cancer.15 Years of Research - Working Towards a Cure.
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