Ameloblastoma: Symptoms Causes and Radiographic feature of Jaw tumor

Dentally reviewed by Dr. Manish Pandey, BDS, FAGE (Manipal University)
Last reviewed: 13 August 2026

Quick answer: Ameloblastoma is a rare odontogenic jaw tumour that is usually benign but can grow locally, expand bone, displace teeth and recur. A painless, slowly enlarging jaw swelling is a common presentation. Diagnosis requires imaging and biopsy; treatment is planned by an oral and maxillofacial specialist according to tumour type, size, location and recurrence risk.

Seek prompt assessment for progressive jaw swelling, numbness, unexplained tooth movement, persistent pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or swelling that affects swallowing or breathing. A photograph or X-ray alone cannot confirm ameloblastoma.

Overview

Ameloblastoma is a rare, noncancerous tumor of the jaw. Adamantinoma and Adamantoblastoma are the synonyms of this tumor. The name is derived from Amel meaning teeth and Blastos meaning germ. This tumor is frequently seen in the lower jaw, close to wisdom tooth or molar.

What causes Ameloblastoma?

The causes of this tumor are not clear. The causes may include injury to the teeth or jaw, infection of gum and teeth. Infection of the virus and low protein in the person’s diet may play a major role in the development of this tumor((https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ameloblastoma/)).

Symptoms

This is a slow-growing tumor of the jaw. It is found in both Maxilla and Mandible. However, up to 80% it has been seen in Mandible only. It is slow growing painless swelling which leads to facial deformity.

Due to the increase in the size of the tumor, the teeth become loose. There will also be malocclusion because of the movement of the tooth.

Clinical photograph © Camazine, 2007, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY 3.0. Image cropped/resized from the original file.

The lesion causes expansion of bony carticle plates. Thin shells of bone will be formed ahead of the lesion. This shell of bone will crack on palpation. This phenomenon is called as “Egg Shell Cracking” or Crepitus.

In some cases, there will not be any presentable symptom. They diagnosed accidentally when they come for another treatment.

Sometimes, it grows very quickly with pain. It can spread to the eyes, nasal sinus and skull.
Very rarely, ameloblastoma cells can reach other areas of the body such as lymph nodes in the neck and lungs.

How common is Ameloblastoma?

Ameloblastoma is a rare slow growing but a locally invasive tumor. In the United States, between 300 and 600 cases are diagnosed each year. It accounts for 1% of all oral tumors and almost 9-11% of all odontogenic tumors((https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439660/)). It is equally common in men and women at any age, but usually, it is seen between 30 to 40 years of age.((https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439660/))

There is conflicting proof of the incidence rates in different races. Although some reports claim an increased incidence of ameloblastoma in black people ((Shafer’s Textbook of Oral Pathology – Rajendran, R, Sivapathasundaram, B))

Types

If we discuss the types of tumors, they are classified based on their histopathology and clinical characteristics.

Ameloblastoma Radiographic features

In the radiograph, tumor area appears as a rounded well-defined margin in the bone with varying size and features. Multiple round radiolucencies can be seen in the larger (multilocular) tumor. It gives a characteristic “soap bubble” appearance. A single round radiolucency can be seen on the unicystic tumor radiograph.

Treatment

Surgery to get rid of the tumor

Ameloblastoma treatment usually includes surgery to remove the neoplasm. Ameloblastoma typically grows into the nearby jawbone, therefore surgeons may need to remove the affected part of the jawbone. an aggressive approach to surgery reduces the chance that ameloblastoma will return.

Surgery to repair the jaw

If surgery involves removing a part of your jawbone, surgeons will repair and reconstruct the jaw. this will facilitate improve how your jaw looks and works subsequently. The surgery can also assist you to be able to eat and speak.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy using high-powered energy beams may well be required when surgery or if surgery is not a choice.

Supportive care

A variety of specialists will assist you to work through speaking, swallowing and eating problems throughout and after treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Is ameloblastoma cancer?

Most ameloblastomas are benign, meaning they are not cancer. However, they can behave aggressively within the jaw, damage nearby structures and recur. Rare malignant forms can spread.

Can an X-ray confirm ameloblastoma?

No. Panoramic X-rays and CT or MRI can show the lesion and its extent, but several jaw conditions can look similar. Histopathologic examination of a biopsy is generally required for diagnosis.

Can ameloblastoma return after treatment?

Yes. Recurrence risk varies with the tumour subtype, location and treatment. Long-term clinical and imaging follow-up is important even after apparently successful treatment.

For context on other odontogenic growths, see our overview of dental tumours, diagnosis and treatment.

Authoritative references

• National Cancer Institute: definition of ameloblastoma
• NCBI Bookshelf: Ameloblastoma clinical overview
• Peer-reviewed updated narrative review of ameloblastoma

This article is for general education and does not replace examination, imaging, biopsy or personalized treatment by an oral and maxillofacial specialist.