Conservative therapy of extensive unicystic ameloblastoma: a case report

ABSTRACT

Ameloblastoma is a benign neoplasm originating from odontogenic epithelium. It is the most common neoplasm in the jaws and is characterized by aggressive behavior and local invasion. Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) has a unilocular feature in radiologic examination and a cystic feature histologically. Decompression and marsupialization are conservative method of treatment of large UA. The purpose of decompression and marsupialization are size reduction of the mass, which makes it easy to handle at total enucleation with protection of nerve damage and facial deformity. Here we report successful conservative treatment of extensive UA using decompression and marsupialization with a review of literatures.