Surgical management of ameloblastoma: Conservative or radical approach

The ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin that exhibits a locally aggressive behavior with a high level of recurrence, being believed theoretically to come from dental lamina remains, the enamel organ in development, epithelial cover of odontogenic cysts or from the cells of the basal layer of the oral mucosa. Especially larger, aggressive lesions require a more radical surgical approach resulting in large jaw defects. This paper discusses our experiences in the management of ameloblastoma tumor in 20 such patients.

A review of 20 cases of ameloblastoma (6 in the maxillary and 14 in the mandibular region) is presented. The lesions were between 4 and 8 cm in diameter. The methods of treatment consisted of radical surgery (i.e., segmental resection) and conservative treatments (i.e., enucleation with bone curettage). Half the cases were treated conservatively and others surgically.

Enucleation with curettage was done in 10 cases, out of which six (60%) showed recurrence, whereas one (10%) case in the surgical group showed recurrence. Relatively higher tendencies of recurrence were observed in the cases treated conservatively. The aesthetic and functional outcomes were satisfying in all patients.

According to our opinion, radical surgical resection of ameloblastoma is the treatment of choice, followed by the reconstruction of the defects, allowing good functional and aesthetic outcome.