Recurrent ameloblastoma following osseous reconstruction--a review of twenty years

The adequate therapy of ameloblastoma may require a compromise between the least destructive treatment possible of a benign tumour and a sufficiently radical method to prevent recurrences. Frequently recurrences appear after 10 years or longer, therefore regular follow-up visits even after more than 5 years are recommended. The primary reconstruction of bones and/or soft tissues, which is likely to be performed especially for benign processes is threatened by recurrences.

A retrospective analysis of our patient group during the past 20 years has shown that a differentiated pretherapeutic securing of the histology as well as a radical surgical policy are the most important criteria, influencing the likelihood of recurrences. Three representative case histories are described below.

The rate of cumulative relapses with regard to various observation time amounted to 17% after 5 years and 19% after 10 years, respectively.

Ameloblastomas carry a certain risk of developing local recurrences depending on histology and the type of surgical treatment. Long-term follow-up should be arranged.