In some cases, the tissue growth may be covered by a thin shell of bone. This covering may crack even from touch.
If the tissue growth extends to the sinus cavities or nose floor, it causes pain.
3 Causes
The actual cause of ameloblastoma is not yet clearly understood.
Some of the causes implied in the development of ameloblastoma include:
Injury to mouth or jaw
Gum infection
Tooth infection
Inflammation of the gums, jaws, or teeth
Viral infections are also suspected to cause ameloblastoma.
A lack of protein is also considered to be one of the causes for abnormal tissue growth in the jaws.
The presence of un-erupted teeth in the jaw is a major risk factor for the development of ameloblastoma.
Conditions like Gorlin-Goltz syndrome also increase the chance of excessive tissue growth in the jaws.
4 Making a Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests for Ameloblastoma are suggested depending on the location of the tumor in the mouth.
Individual medical history and a physical examination provide information that helps in diagnosis of the benign tumor.
Imaging techniques aid in visualizing the structure and spread of tumor. X-rays, MRI, and CT scans are used in the confirmatory diagnosis of ameloblastoma.
A biopsy of the tumor tissue is used in the definitive diagnosis.
Additional tests are used in diagnosis of other condition that result in similar symptoms.
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