RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The adequate therapy of ameloblastoma may require a compromise between the least destructive treatment possible of a benign tumour and a sufficiently radical method to prevent recurrences. Frequently recurrences appear after 10 years or longer, therefore regular follow-up visits even after more than 5 years are recommended. The primary reconstruction of bones and/or soft tissues, which is likely to be performed especially for benign processes is threatened by recurrences. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our patient group during the past 20 years has shown that a differentiated pretherapeutic securing of the histology as well as a radical surgical policy are the most important criteria, influencing the likelihood of recurrences. Three representative case histories are described below. RESULTS: The rate of cumulative relapses with regard to various observation time amounted to 17% after 5 years and 19% after 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ameloblastomas carry a certain risk of developing local recurrences depending on histology and the type of surgical treatment. Long-term follow-up should be arranged.