Ameloblastic Carcinoma

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare form of aggressive odontogenic tumor, that develops in the jawbones from the epithelial cells that generate the tooth enamel. It is usually treated with surgery; chemotherapy has not been proven to be effective.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of ameloblastic carcinomas are pain and swelling either localized in the jaw or throughout the entire face, dysphagia, and trismus. Less common symptoms include ulceration, loosening of the teeth, chronic epistaxis, facial pressure, and nasal dyspnea.

Causes

It is speculated that some cases of ameloblastic carcinoma arise from remnants of epithelial tissue left behind after the development of the teeth and related structures. Other times, it may be caused by a benign odontogenic cyst becoming malignant, or a pre-existing ameloblastoma.

Treatment

Chemotherapy has not proven effective in treating Ameloblastic Carcinoma, leaving surgical removal of the tumor one of the only options. Though surgery may be effective, 50% of recurrence occurs within the first 5 years after primary surgery, requiring the patient to follow a life-long schedule of examinations.