Gigantic ameloblastoma of the mandible complicating hypoproteinemia: case report

A case of gigantic ameloblastoma of the mandible complicating hypoproteinemia is reported. The patient, a 73-year-old male, had refused a surgical procedure on an ameloblastoma for 13 years. By the time the tumor had increased in size and fistulas from it had formed, hypoproteinemia and generalized edema had occurred. The tumor was removed when the serum total protein level had recovered to about 5 g/dl following the administration of a plasma protein preparation. After the operation, hypoproteinemia and edema clearly improved. Hypoproteinemia is thought to be caused by leakage of plasma or occasional bleeding through the oral fistulas of ameloblastoma, and in this patient's case, poor nutrition because of his masticatory and swallowing difficulties.