Living with Ameloblastoma
A rare, noncancerous tumor that usually grows in the jaw near the molars.
Understanding Ameloblastoma
It starts in the cells that form tooth enamel. It most often occurs in adults in their 30s and 40s, though it can occur at any age. It is rarely found outside of the jaw. In many cases, the first sign is painless swelling in the jaw.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary. GARD's summary says the first sign is often:
- Painless swelling in the jaw
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and gum, teeth and mouth specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Gum, teeth and mouth specialists (odontologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the tumor starts in the cells that form the enamel covering the teeth. It doesn't describe a gene cause.
Also known as: ameloblastoma of jaw; benign adamantinoma
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Ameloblastoma.
Explore research for Ameloblastoma
Explore actively recruiting Ameloblastoma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Ameloblastoma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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