[Late recurrence of ameloblastoma]

Two cases of late recurrence (31 and 33 years after radical surgery) of an ameloblastoma induced us to explain our operative approach on the basis of experience with 37 patients operated on for ameloblastoma at our clinic. With special consideration of the biology, clinic and histopathology of this tumour, we have tried to establish operative guidelines with regard to radical surgery. We arrived at the conclusion that ameloblastomas regarded as malignant should be treated by radical surgery; and those considered to be benign, by conservative surgery, individual decisions being imperative. Our clinical observations and analyses are compared with the results of other authors.