Ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor arising from the epithelial rests of Malassez, occurring mostly in the mandible and the tumor arises from the epithelium that plays a role in the process of tooth development. A marked geographic variation is apparent in the relative incidences of various odontogenic tumors, particularly ameloblastoma. Ameloblastoma as, "Usually unicentric, non-functional, intermittent in growth, anatomically benign, and clinically persistent". In most cases, an ameloblastoma is usually asymptomatic, grows slowly, and can expand jaws. The case records and surgical biopsy reports of all diagnosed cases of ameloblastoma archived from January 2010 to December 2012 were retrieved from the Outpatient Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.

Histopathology will show cells that have the tendency to move the nucleus away from the basement membrane. This process is referred to as "Reverse Polarization". The follicular type will have outer arrangement of columnar. While chemotherapy, radiation therapy, curettage and liquid nitrogen have been effective in some cases of ameloblastoma, surgical resection or enucleation remains the most definitive treatment for this condition. In a detailed study of 345 patients, chemotherapy and radiation therapy seemed to be contraindicated.

There is evidence that suppression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 may inhibit the local invasiveness of ameloblastoma, however, this was only demonstrated in vitro. There is also some research suggesting that α5β1 integrin may participate in the local invasiveness of ameloblastomas.