Overview
Ameloblastoma is a rare, usually slow-growing tumor that develops in the jawbone, most commonly in the lower jaw (mandible) near the back teeth. The name comes from 'ameloblasts,' which are the cells that form tooth enamel during development. Although ameloblastoma is classified as a benign (non-cancerous) tumor, it behaves aggressively by growing into surrounding bone and tissue, which makes it locally destructive if left untreated. In very rare cases, it can become malignant (cancerous) and spread to other parts of the body. The most common symptoms include a painless swelling or lump in the jaw that gradually gets bigger over time. As the tumor grows, it can cause facial deformity, loose teeth, difficulty chewing, and sometimes numbness or tingling in the jaw area. Many people first notice the tumor when a dentist finds an unusual area on a routine X-ray. The main treatment for ameloblastoma is surgery to remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy bone to reduce the chance of it coming back. Smaller or less aggressive types may be treated with a more conservative approach, such as scraping out the tumor (curettage). After surgery, reconstructive procedures may be needed to restore the jawbone and improve appearance and function. Radiation therapy is sometimes used when surgery is not possible or when the tumor returns. Because ameloblastoma has a notable tendency to recur, long-term follow-up with regular imaging is very important.
Key symptoms:
Painless swelling in the jawGradually enlarging lump in the lower jawFacial asymmetry or deformityLoose or displaced teethDifficulty chewing or opening the mouthNumbness or tingling in the jaw or chinPain in the jaw (in advanced cases)A mass felt inside the mouthDifficulty fitting denturesAbnormal findings on dental X-raysTooth that fails to come in properlyNasal obstruction (if upper jaw is involved)
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Ameloblastoma.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Ameloblastoma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What type of ameloblastoma do I have, and how does that affect my treatment options?,What surgical approach do you recommend, and what are the risks and benefits?,Will I need reconstructive surgery, and what will that involve?,What is the chance that the tumor will come back after treatment?,How often will I need follow-up imaging, and for how long?,Are there any clinical trials or targeted therapies that might be appropriate for my case?,How will treatment affect my ability to eat, speak, and go about my daily life?
Common questions about Ameloblastoma
What is Ameloblastoma?
Ameloblastoma is a rare, usually slow-growing tumor that develops in the jawbone, most commonly in the lower jaw (mandible) near the back teeth. The name comes from 'ameloblasts,' which are the cells that form tooth enamel during development. Although ameloblastoma is classified as a benign (non-cancerous) tumor, it behaves aggressively by growing into surrounding bone and tissue, which makes it locally destructive if left untreated. In very rare cases, it can become malignant (cancerous) and spread to other parts of the body. The most common symptoms include a painless swelling or lump in th
How is Ameloblastoma inherited?
Ameloblastoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Ameloblastoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Ameloblastoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Ameloblastoma?
19 specialists and care centers treating Ameloblastoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.