MORE JAWS

Ameloblastoma is common in Nigeria. (see http://earthwidesurgicalfoundation.blogspot.com/search?q=ameloblastoma). Ameloblastoma (from the early English word amel, meaning enamel + the Greek word blastos, meaning germ) is a rare, benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium (ameloblasts, or outside portion, of the teeth during development) much more commonly appearing in the lower jaw than the upper jaw. Treatment is resection. This is well tolerated in patients who have a tumor on one side of the jaw since people can eat and speak quite well with half the mandible removed. Surgery is more difficult in patients who have a central ameloblastoma or one that is so advanced that surgery requires removal of the entire mandible. Nonetheless, these patients can eat well (especially since the favorite food is gari which is not chewed). Speaking is more difficult but still understandable.

The following old woman had a very advanced tumor that required near total mandibulectomy. She is doing quite well since surgery and is happy with the results.