[Gingival lesions in ameloblastoma: value of preoperative biopsy]

Ameloblastomas are common in Niger. Their main risk is recurrence, which nearly always follows inadequate surgery: these tumors require radical excision followed with mandibular graft. A preoperative diagnosis is therefore indispensable. X-ras are non-specific. In Niger, the danger of osteomyelitis makes surgical biopsies dangerous. The attention is brought to the existence of gum lesions in 8 cases of ameloblastoma in Nigerian patients. Their biopsy may provide the diagnosis in quick and safe conditions.