Treatment of ameloblastoma--a review

Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumour of the jaw. Despite the extensive literature on the incidence, clinical and radiographic features, behaviour and histologic pattern of this tumour, the method of treatment is still controversial and not well established. This paper reviews the various surgical methods of treatment of ameloblastoma and highlight the importance of the biologic growth pattern of this tumour in the treatment modalities. It was concluded that the treatment of individual ameloblastoma varies and the selection of the type of treatment for each case should take into consideration the clinical type of the tumour, patient's age and medical status, location of tumour in the jaws (mandible or maxilla), size of tumour and the likelihood of the patient attending follow-up appointments.