Ameloblastoma is a special type of tumor of a locally invasive nature. The name of the tumor is made up of the two Greek words for ‘germ’ and ‘enamel‘. Ameloblastoma originates from those cells that are responsible for the formation of tooth enamel.
What is ameloblastoma?
Ameloblastoma is a special type of tumor of locally invasive nature. It originates from those cells that are responsible for the formation of tooth enamel. The basis for the development of an ameloblastoma is the teeth. In particular, the cells of tooth enamel formation are significantly involved in the genesis of ameloblastoma. Basically, ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor originating from the teeth. The development of the tumor is related to the dental anlagen, which are already present in embryos. These early anlagen of the later teeth are divided into an ectodermal and a mesodermal area. Ameloblastomas form recurrences in many patients, but in the majority of cases they are benign tumors. This means that those suffering from ameloblastoma usually do not have to worry about metastasis. Only in a few exceptional cases does ameloblastoma present as a malignant tumor. In principle, ameloblastoma is differentiated into a plexiform and a follicular disease type.
Causes
The exact factors and correlates of the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma are not well understood at the present time. Diverse medical studies are investigating the causes of the disease. However, to date, there are hardly any reliable statements about the development of ameloblastoma.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
The symptoms of ameloblastoma depend on the stage of the disease and sometimes vary in individual cases. In numerous cases, ameloblastoma is discovered only by chance during other medical examinations. Ameloblastoma often appears as a swelling in the area of the jaw, but does not cause pain. Approximately one third of ameloblastomas are based on follicular cysts. In the course of the further development of the ameloblastoma, so-called resorption processes occur. As a result, there may be changes in the position of the teeth. Due to these displacements, certain nerves are sometimes pressed, so that the persons suffer from impaired sensitivity. Basically, ameloblastoma is six times more likely to develop in the lower jaw than in the upper jaw. In the lower jaw, ameloblastoma is often localized in the so-called angle of the jaw, while in the upper jaw it frequently occurs in the area of the canine teeth. In the majority of cases, ameloblastoma develops between the third and fourth decade of life. In addition, ameloblastoma occurs with approximately the same frequency in female and male patients.
Diagnosis and progression
In many cases, the diagnosis of ameloblastoma is made comparatively late or by chance. This is because at the beginning of the disease, affected patients hardly experience any pain or other irritation. It is only in the further course of the development of ameloblastoma that the tumor may become noticeable through certain signs. For example, it becomes increasingly visible or impairs sensitivity. Patients with such symptoms consult their general practitioner, who usually initiates a referral to a specialist. The initial anamnesis informs the treating physician about the symptomatology, the time of the first complaints, potentially relevant backgrounds of development or genetic dispositions. The subsequent clinical examination includes histological analyses of the ameloblastoma. In addition, X-ray examinations are usually used to visualize the diseased area of the jaw. In the case of ameloblastoma, changes in the localization of the teeth can often be seen here. Furthermore, lightened regions of the jaw bones are visible (medical term “osteolyses”). In addition, patients usually undergo computer tomography. With regard to the final diagnosis of ameloblastoma, the physician has to consider a variety of diseases that are sometimes confused with ameloblastoma.For example, the physician excludes ameloblastic fibroma, odontoameloblastoma, osteosarcoma, odontogenic squamous cell tumor, and ameloblastic fibroodontoma. In addition, the physician differentiates ameloblastoma from ameloblastic fibrodentinoma, Pindborg tumor, follicular cyst of the mandible, radicular cyst of the root tip, giant cell granuloma, and keratocystic odontogenic tumor. Once the differential diagnosis has been completed, the diagnosis of ameloblastoma is considered relatively well established.
When should you see a doctor?
Ameloblastoma must be treated by a physician. If the disease is not treated, the tumor can spread to other regions of the body and cause discomfort or complications in those areas. As a rule, ameloblastoma leads to a reduction or limitation of sensitivity. Therefore, a doctor should always be consulted if there are sensory disturbances or disturbances of sensitivity in the jaw or teeth. Most of the time, these complaints occur without any particular reason and cannot be linked to a disease or a specific cause. Especially the canines are often affected by these disorders. In many cases, however, ameloblastoma is discovered during check-ups. The treatment is usually performed by a dentist or by a surgeon. There are no further complaints and the disease can be well limited. Even after treatment, the patient must have regular check-ups to ensure that the tumor is completely removed.
Treatment and therapy
Options for therapy of ameloblastoma focus mainly in one direction but are relatively successful in most individuals. In the vast majority of cases, physicians decide to remove the ameloblastoma through surgical intervention. A distance of about half a centimeter is maintained to ensure safe removal of the abnormal tissue. After resection of the ameloblastoma, reconstruction of the jawbone usually takes place during the same operation. Following the surgical procedure, the prognosis of ameloblastoma is comparatively good. However, ameloblastomas have a relatively strong tendency to recur. For this reason, it is always necessary for patients to undergo regular check-ups even after successful surgery. These are performed at intervals of six or twelve months and take place over several years. In this way, any recurrences of ameloblastoma that may occur are quickly identified.
Outlook and prognosis
In many cases, treatment for ameloblastoma is initiated late because ameloblastoma is diagnosed only by chance or during follow-up examinations. Patients may suffer from tooth displacement in the process, which primarily occurs without a specific reason. In some cases, pain may also occur. Furthermore, those affected also suffer from a disturbance of sensitivity in the entire oral cavity. Due to this disorder, the intake of fluids and food may possibly be disturbed. If this tumor is not treated, the life expectancy of the affected person will be significantly reduced and death will occur at an early stage. The treatment itself takes place through surgery, where the tumor is removed. As a rule, the ameloblastoma also requires reconstruction of the jawbone so that the affected person does not suffer from consequential damages. Life expectancy is not limited with successful and early treatment. In most cases, even after successful surgery, sufferers are required to have check-ups to prevent the cancer from re-forming or spreading to other areas of the body.
Prevention
Specific information on successful preventive measures regarding ameloblastoma is not possible. The causes of the disease are not well understood and risk factors are poorly understood.
Follow-up
In most cases of ameloblastoma, the patient has no options for aftercare. In this case, the affected person is always dependent on treatment, and without treatment, death usually results. The tumor is removed with the help of a surgical procedure. There are usually no particular complications and the course of the disease is positive.After the procedure, the patient should rest and take care of his body. Sports activities or other strenuous activities are therefore not recommended after the procedure. Likewise, no solid food should be taken directly after the procedure to protect the oral cavity. Furthermore, in the case of ameloblastoma, after the tumor has been removed, care should be taken to take antibiotics regularly to prevent inflammation and further discomfort. Even after successful removal, regular check-ups should still be carried out in order to detect and remove further tumors at an early stage. This is the only way to ensure a normal life expectancy for the patient. In some cases, contact with other ameloblastoma sufferers can also be helpful, as this leads to an exchange of information that can make everyday life easier.
What you can do yourself
Once ameloblastoma has been diagnosed, those affected should become well informed about the tumor disease. Informative discussions with the doctor and a psychosocial cancer counseling center reduce uncertainties and fears. Measures such as sports, dancing, painting or singing help to reduce feelings of pain, anger and despair and thus also reduce inner tensions. The actual experience of pain can also be alleviated through relaxing activities. Relaxation techniques from yoga or quigong also support recovery by strengthening the immune system. Cancer patients can usually take advantage of special therapeutic offers to combat the discomfort accompanying conservative cancer therapy. A healthy diet is equally important. The diet should consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as fish and poultry. Red meat from pork or beef should be avoided in the case of ameloblastoma, as it can further strain the vessels. Ideally, the food should be freshly prepared so that all vitamins are retained as much as possible. Whether alternative therapies are appropriate must be decided on an individual basis. Ameloblastoma patients should consult with the responsible physician and initiate the right measures to optimally promote recovery and improve well-being. If the course is severe, living wills and other organizational matters should be arranged early.
