Ameloblastoma
The content of the article:
- Causes
- Forms of the disease
- Symptoms
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Possible complications and consequences
- Forecast
- Prevention
Ameloblastoma is a benign tumor of the maxillofacial region, accompanied by the destruction of bone tissue. This is one of the most common tumors in dental surgery. In more than 80% of cases, ameloblastoma is localized in the lower jaw.
The disease affects both men and women aged 20 to 60 with the same frequency, rarely occurs in children and adolescents.
Ameloblastoma is one of the most common tumors in dental surgery
Causes
The exact causes of the appearance of ameloblastoma have not yet been established. Many experts believe that its occurrence is associated with a violation of the development of dental germs.
Forms of the disease
Depending on the characteristics of the clinical course, two forms of the disease are distinguished:
- Cystic ameloblastoma. It is diagnosed most often. Characterized by cystic formations partially connected to each other or completely isolated from each other, lined with epithelial tissue from the inside.
- Massive (solid) ameloblastoma. The peculiarity of this variety is the spongy structure of the tissue.
Symptoms
Ameloblastoma develops slowly. As the tumor grows, the jaw deforms, which is manifested by swelling of the face on the side of the lesion, a progressive violation of symmetry.
Visual changes in the maxillary localization of ameloblastoma are hardly noticeable, since the tumor does not grow outward, but inside the maxillary sinus. In this case, there is a deformation of the hard palate and alveolar bone. The tumor can spread into the orbit and / or the nasal cavity.
Growing into the bone tissue, ameloblastoma damages it and compresses the nerve endings, which leads to the appearance of pain syndrome. Patients mistakenly associate pain with dental diseases (caries, pulpitis). The destruction of bone tissue causes loosening and then displacement of the teeth, deformation of the jaw in the affected area.
The skin covering the ameloblastoma remains mobile for a long time and does not have visible changes, and is easily folded.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of ameloblastoma is carried out by a dentist on the basis of characteristic clinical manifestations, as well as data from instrumental and laboratory examination. The following methods are used for diagnosis:
- CT scan;
- radiography;
- cytological analysis of the material obtained during the diagnostic puncture of the formation (biopsy).
X-ray ameloblastoma
Ameloblastoma requires differential diagnosis with squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillofacial region, cystadenoid carcinoma of the salivary gland, dental cysts caused by the inflammatory process.
Treatment
Surgical treatment of ameloblastoma. During the operation, the area of the jaw affected by the tumor is resected. With early diagnosis, the volume of surgical intervention is minimal, after the operation, the functions of the jaw are preserved, there is no disfigurement of the face. If the tumor has reached a significant size, then the clinical and aesthetic results of surgical treatment are reduced.
Ameloblastoma is prone to relapse. To prevent tumor regrowth after its removal, the operating cavity is thoroughly treated with a concentrated phenol solution, which makes it possible to achieve the death of the epithelial elements of ameloblastoma, which may remain after resection.
With significant resection of the jaw and disfigurement of the face, it becomes necessary in the future for bone grafting or the constant wearing of orthopedic structures.
Possible complications and consequences
Ameloblastoma is often complicated by an inflammatory process that leads to the formation of fistulas with serous-purulent discharge, opening into the oral cavity.
Ameloblastoma can degenerate into a malignant tumor. Malignancy occurs in 4–5% of cases and usually occurs in untreated patients.
Forecast
With early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment, the prognosis is generally favorable.
With the removal of ameloblastomas of significant volume, many patients in the postoperative period experience psychological shock from a changed appearance and need psychotherapeutic help.
Prevention
There is no specific prophylaxis for ameloblastomas. In order to detect a tumor early, it is necessary to visit the dentist every six months for a preventive examination.
Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
