Maxillary ameloblastoma: a retrospective study of 13 cases

Ameloblastoma is uncommon in the maxilla, comprising about 15% of all reported ameloblastomas. Ameloblastomas are locally aggressive and, when involving the maxilla, potentially lethal. The long term outcome of 13 patients with ameloblastoma in the maxilla for whom surgery was the primary treatment between 1951-1990 was studied. Patient records from both private and public practices in Melbourne, Australia were examined as were those cases reported to the Bone Tumour Registry at the University of Bristol, England. The study showed that control of disease was achieved in all patients where the tumour was limited to the confines of the maxilla (10 cases). The mean follow-up period in this group was 7 years (range 2-20 years). In the three cases that recurred all had preoperative radiological evidence of posterior maxillary sinus wall destruction and/or pterygoid plate erosion. Two patients died of extensive local recurrence and one has persistence of the disease. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ameloblastoma in each case with a variety of histological patterns being noted. It is concluded that notwithstanding histological type, the extent of the tumour at presentation and the adequacy of the surgical approach and removal were the main factors in successfully managing the disease.