Recurrence of an ameloblastoma in an autogenous iliac bone graft

A rare case of recurrence of an ameloblastoma in an iliac bone graft many years after the initial operation for a mandibular amelolastoma with evidence of soft tissue invasion is presented. A review of the literature disclosed only 11 cases of recurrence of ameloblastoma in bone grafts. In the case presented the initial operation was a hemimandibulectomy followed by autogenous iliac bone graft. Sixteen years after the surgery there was clinical and radiographic signs of recurrence. It was concluded that extensive resection including bone as well as adjacent soft tissues is critical because the recurrences seem to stem from the soft tissues, especially from the adjacent periosteum.