ameloblastoma
(A-meh-loh-blas-TOH-muh)
A rare tumor that begins in the cells that form the tooth enamel (the hard, outer covering that protects the teeth) and most often occurs in the jaw near the molars. Ameloblastomas are usually not cancer, but they can grow quickly, cause pain and swelling, and damage nearby tissue. Rarely, they may come back or spread to other parts of the body. Ameloblastomas usually occur in adults.