I’m the mother of a beautiful and healthy 17 year old girl. Awaiting CT scan this week of jawbone because oral surgeon suspects Ameloblastoma. My head is spinning and my heart is breaking. Any, any advice is greatly appreciated. I realize we don’t have exact diagnosis yet, but trying to be prepared for what has now become our new reality.

Welcome to OCF, Cheri! Im so very sorry that you are going thru this with your daughter. As a parent, I understand how difficult this must be for you! Do your very best to not get too far ahead of yourself. I know when its your child involved its not easy. Its heartbreaking seeing anything bad happen with your child. My daughter needed surgery for her kidneys when she was a baby. Her doctors wanted to push it off as long as they could. Her condition didnt allow her to wait too long. At 22 months old I watched her happily take the surgeons hand and walk with her doctor into the OR. Thats a vision I will never get out of my mind.

I suggest doing a search by typing Ameloblastoma into the search box towards the upper right of any page. You will see there are many results of other members who have been thru this. From what Ive briefly read, Ameloblastoma is usually a benign tumor which is a very good thing! Before you agree to anything... get a second opinion!!! Surgeons cut and will always recommend surgery, but once its removed they can never put things back to their exact functionality. I would suggest finding an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer. They should have the most experience in ameloblastoma along with other oral cancers. Your daughter will probably also need a biopsy to confirm exactly what the mass is.

Best wishes with everything!!!

Here is one that Brian suggested that should help. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ameloblastoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351278