How do I take care of myself?
Most people who have ameloblastoma surgery need support after surgery, such as speech therapy or advice from a nutritionist. Ask your healthcare provider how your surgery will affect your daily life and what help you might need throughout your recovery.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Unfortunately, many ameloblastomas can come back years after your surgery. Your healthcare provider may recommend you have regular checkups once a year for five years.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about what you can expect as you recover. Generally speaking, you should go to the emergency room if:
- You have a fever higher than 101° Fahrenheit (38.3° Celsius).
- You have pain that isn’t helped by the medications your provider prescribed for you.
- You have more drainage or swelling than you expected.
- You have shortness of breath or a feeling that you can’t catch your breath.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
Ameloblastoma is a serious medical condition that requires major surgery. Here are some questions you may want to ask as you and your healthcare provider discuss your treatment:
- Why did I develop this tumor?
- My tumor is benign. Do I still need surgery?
- My tumor is malignant. Will I need treatment other than surgery?
- What surgery do you recommend?
- Why do you recommend that surgery?
- What are the complications?
- What are the side effects?
- Will I need plastic surgery?
- Can my tumor come back after surgery?
- Is surgery my only treatment option?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Ameloblastoma is a benign tumor that can damage your jaw and teeth. These tumors can become malignant. They never stop growing, so surgery to remove a tumor is the most effective way to prevent more damage. Some surgeries remove tumors but not healthy bone and tissue, increasing the chance a tumor will come back. Other surgeries remove tumors and more healthy bone and tissue, which may mean additional surgery to replace bone and tissue. Ask your healthcare provider about your options. They’ll share each option’s benefits and drawbacks.
