Case report : The conservative treatment of unilocular plexiform ameloblastoma

ABSTRACT

Ameloblastoma is the most common aggressive benign odontogenic tumor of the jaws. Because of slow growth and tendency to local invasion of bone and soft tissue, high rates of recurrence are common. The treatment for ameloblastoma is still controversial and poses some special problems in children. Because of growth of the jaw and the different incidence, prognosis of the tumor make the surgical consideration different from adults. Radical resection cause facial deformity, jaw abnormal movement and masticatory disturbance especially to child and adolescents. So conservative treatment as enucleation, curettage is acceptable initial treatment of ameloblastoma in children who can be followed up in a precise, detailed manner. This report describes a case of unilocular plexiform ameloblastoma treated by enucleation and curettage followed by marsupialization.