What is maxillary ameloblastoma?
Maxillary ameloblastomas are locally aggressive neoplasms, thus therapy aims for excision including normal bone beyond the lesion. In contrast to mandible ameloblastomas, maxillary ones most commonly show mutations of the SMO gene. Furthermore, differential tumor diagnosis is thoroughly discussed in the present review.
Is ameloblastoma a cancer?
Ameloblastoma is a rare tumour which involves excess tissue growth in and around the jaw. This tumour is usually benign (non cancerous) and can appear to be solid or cyst-like.
Can ameloblastoma spread?
Very rarely, ameloblastoma cells can spread to other areas of the body (metastasize), such as the lymph nodes in the neck and lungs. Ameloblastoma may recur after treatment.
What do we know about maxillary ameloblastomas?
Maxillary ameloblastomas are exceedingly rare with only sparse information on their epidemiological, histological and genetic characteristics. The aim of this report is to thoroughly review the available literature in order to present the characteristics of this tumor.
What are the symptoms of ameloblastoma?
Though ameloblastoma is most often diagnosed in adults in their 30s through 60s, ameloblastoma can occur in children and young adults. Ameloblastoma often causes no symptoms, but signs and symptoms may include pain and a lump or swelling in the jaw.
What are the treatment options for mandibular ameloblastoma?
In treating ameloblastoma, the mainstay is radical surgery including en-bloc resection 43). Concerning the management of mandibular ameloblastoma, some authors maintain that partial resection or curettage is enough while many recommend radical excision.
What is alveolar ameloblastoma?
Acanthomatous ameloblastoma is a benign tumor, but is locally aggressive and frequently invades the alveolar bone or recurs after marginal surgical excision. It is classified as an ameloblastoma; however controversies exist as to whether this tumor should be classified as a basal cell carcinoma, epulis or an odontal origin tumor 30).