Extreme ameloblastoma of the mandible with hypoproteinemia. A case report and review of clinicopathological features

2011

Ameloblastoma is a tumor of odontogenic epithelium. It has an intermediate malignant potential, thus positioning it in a gray zone between benign and malignant neoplasms. Invasive ameloblastomas of excessive size are rarely confronted. Although these ameloblastomas are benign, they are life threatening. Many have eventuated in death due to airway obstruction, starvation from restriction of feeding, and complications of hypoproteinemia. These tumors cause significant expansion of skin and lips [tissue expanders]. Due to its metabolic demands, a tumor of enormous size will have numerous feeding vessels. Patients with extreme ameloblastomas are usually from rural areas of developing countries …