Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Adenomatoid and odontogenic are two different terms. To completely understand adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, these terms should be clear. Adenomatoid tumor means a type of tumor which originated from the lining of an organ. And odontogenic tumor is the cyst formation in the jaw. Odontogenesis is the process of tooth development. Now combining both of these terms, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is defined as the tumor or cyst which occurs in the jaws and orginiates from the enamel of jaws or dental lamina.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is not a common disease and occur preferably in young people. Almost two third of cases are reported in women. Diagnosis of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is important to confirm it's presence and to select the most accurate type of treatment. On radiographic imaging, this tumor appears as a dark colored region which is present around the erupted. The erupted teeth also involves the cementoenamel junction. It is usually mixed with dentigerous cyst so the differential diagnosis is important. The difference is in the radiolucencies of these two conditions. Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor extends apically and spread beyond the cementoenamel junction. Usually it is misdiagnosed as a cyst. So it is concluded that diagnosis is an important factor in case of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor.

Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Symptoms

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor usually does not have symptoms. It usually occur on maxillary jaw and rarely occur on mandibular jaw. Almost two third cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor involves anterior maxilla and one third cases involves anterior mandible. Some of the cases are associated with impacted tooth i.e. canine. There are no systemic symptoms associated with adenomatoid odontogenic tumor. It can be easily seen as a dark colored region around the unerupted teeth I.e. canine. It spread beyond the cementoenamel junction of teeth which makes it easier to diagnose.

Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Causes

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a dental tumor which involves the enamel if associated teeth. It is also termed as hamartomatous. It may occur due to a lesion in the maxillary or mandibular jaw. Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is benign in nature. It is a rare type of tumor which mainly effect females at the 2nd  decade of their life. Lesion may occur due to a maxillary canine teeth which is impacted. Impacted canine is the common cause of lesion, but it may also occur as a result of hard food particles during chewing and swallowing.

Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Treatment

Treatment of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor involves surgical removal of cells. And this specific surgery is known as enucleation. In enucleation, the mass or tissues which are involved in tumor are surgically removed without any dissection or cutting of lesion. It can be performed for eyes, oral cavity and uterine tumors. In enucleation, the tissues which are soft and hard , both are removed surgically. Only those tissues are removed which are involved in lesion. This is the only type of treatment for adenomatoid odontogenic tumor which is effective. As there are no symptoms, so no medications are used for the symptoms.