@tomschwerdt I would definitely be interested to read your argument about the misclassification of ameloblastoma being label a "non cancer". Is there a specific time frame I can search for this information within the forum? Also, I am very interested to get a referral to MDA. I'm hoping I can get approval for this as he does have medicaid for insurance.

And thank you and @anbar04 for the advice on the surgery!

Just an update on what's been going on-

We were initially told that he had an ameloblastoma in the middle of his lower jaw, which, from what I understand, is an unusual site for this type of tumor. After that, we were referred to UTMB, where the oral surgeon suggested that it was just a cyst. We felt a lot of relief when a CT scan also noted it as a "cystic lesion."

Yesterday, we went in for surgery to remove the cyst and the adult tooth that was believed to have caused it. However, after the surgery, the surgeon informed us that it does look more like a tumor after all. So, we're back to square one with the tumor diagnosis, and it has been sent off for a biopsy.

I’m trying to stay hopeful, but I’ve read that ameloblastomas can sometimes appear benign under the microscope, even when they aren't technically benign. Does anyone know if that's true? Also, my son is quite young to have developed this, and the location of the mass seems a bit unusual. Because of these anomalies I'm quite worried about the type of ameloblastoma we are dealing with.

That being said, we’re grateful that the mass has been removed, and an extra adult tooth was saved during the surgery. He’s less than 24 hours post-op and is doing really well. His pain is being managed, and he's recoveringtomschwerdt for the advice on the surgery!

Just an update on what's been going on-

We were initially told that he had an ameloblastoma in the middle of his lower jaw, which, from what I understand, is an unusual site for this type of tumor. After that, we were referred to UTMB, where the oral surgeon suggested that it was just a cyst. We felt a lot of relief when a CT scan also noted it as a "cystic lesion."

Yesterday, we went in for surgery to remove the cyst and the adult tooth that was believed to have caused it. However, after the surgery, the surgeon informed us that it does look more like a tumor after all. So, we're back to square one with the tumor diagnosis, and it has been sent off for a biopsy.

I’m trying to stay hopeful, but I’ve read that ameloblastomas can sometimes appear benign under the microscope, even when they aren't technically benign. Does anyone know if that's true? Also, my son is quite young to have developed this, and the location of the mass seems a bit unusual. Because of these anomalies I'm quite worried about the type of ameloblastoma we are dealing with.

That being said, we’re grateful that the mass has been removed, and an extra adult tooth was saved during the surgery. He’s less than 24 hours post-op and is doing really well. His pain is being managed, and he's recovering!