National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Ameloblastoma


Other Names:
Adenoameloblastoma
Ameloblastoma is a rare, noncancerous (benign) tumor that typically develops in the jaw near the molars. It originates in the cells that form the enamel that protects your teeth. The condition most often occurs in adults in their 30s and 40s, though it can occur at any age. In many cases, the first sign is painless swelling in the jaw. While it can be very aggressive, these tumors are rarely found outside of the jaw.[1][2] Treatment is complete surgical removal of the affected tissue.[2]
Last updated: 4/19/2016
Ameloblastoma occurs when the cells that form the protective enamel on your teeth (ameloblasts) grow in excess.[1] The reason for this abnormal growth is not well understood. Some speculate that injury to the mouth or jaw, or lack of protein or minerals in the diet may lead to the growth and development of these tumors.[2] In some cases, they appear to be associated with an impacted tooth.[3] 
Last updated: 4/19/2016
The preferred treatment for ameloblastoma is surgical removal of the affected tissue. In an effort to prevent recurrence, a wide margin of healthy tissue should be removed from the area surrounding the tumor. If the tumor does return, surgery can be performed again.[2]

Ameloblastoma rarely becomes malignant. If malignant spread of the tumor occurs, radiation may be recommended. Malignancy is more common in cases that reoccur after surgery.[2]

Singh et al. have developed a Treatment Algorithm for Ameloblastoma, which you may find of interest. 
Last updated: 4/19/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Ameloblastoma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Social Networking Websites

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • Mayo Clinic has an information page on Ameloblastoma.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Ameloblastoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Ameloblastoma. MayoClinic.com. March 19, 2016; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ameloblastoma/home/ovc-20186225.
  2. Steinberg B. Ameloblastoma. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2009; http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ameloblastoma/.
  3. Larsen P. Benign Epithelial Odontogenic Tumors. In: Cumming eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery, 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby, Inc; 2005;