The most common site of origin of ameloblastoma is:: (A) Mandible near molar tooth, (B) Middle alveolar margins, (C) Hard palate, (D) Mandible near symphisis menti.
Answer is A. Ans. is 'a' i.e. Mandible near molar tooth (Ref. S. Das short cases of Sx, p 115; S. Das a concise textbook of 3/e, p567] Ameloblastoma occurs most often in the mandible in the area of the molars. It is an epithelial tumor* arising from ameloblast (enamel-forming cells)*. Pathologically it behaves like a basal cell carcinoma i.e., it is a malignant tumor which is locally invasive but does not metastasize*. It causes expansion mostly of the outer table* so the swelling is more evident from outside than from inside of mouth*. Cystic degeneration leads to the area of softening and egg - shell crackling on palpation. x-ray: Honeycomb appearance* t/t: Since it is a locally malignant tumor, a simple enucleation and curettage will invariably lead to recurrences. Radiotherapy is ineffective. Therefore resection of the tumor along with a margin of healthy bone* is essential permanent cure. If the tumor is very large affecting the major part of the mandible, hemi mandibulectomy* may be necessary. Other Sites Of Ameloblastoma: In the stalk of pituitary* where it is known as a suprasellar tumor In the tibia*