Growth characteristics of large mandibular ameloblastomas: report of 5 cases with implications for the approach to surgery

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) Expression in Different Subtypes of Ameloblastoma

“…Ameloblastoma is a slow-growing benign tumor but locally invasive and highly destructive with a high risk of recurrence. Ameloblastoma cells can invade into the cancellous bone beyond the tumor margin [4][5][6][7]. It is recommended to perform a radical resection 1-2 cm from tumor margin to prevent recurrences.…”

Perineural infiltration of the inferior alveolar nerve in mandibular ameloblastomas

“…3 The distinction between the different clinicopathologic subtypes is important as the biological behaviour, treatment and prognosis may differ for each variant. 3,4,[9][10][11][12] Ameloblastomas can reach grotesque sizes, causing a substantial amount of local destruction and severe deformity (Figs. 2.1 and 2.2).…”

“…2.1 and 2.2). In general though, they are not known to be infiltrative [11][12][13][14] and very seldom undergo malignant change or metastasize. 3,4 Multiple histological subtypes of ameloblastoma have been described, [1][2][3] and some authors…”

“…3,11 However, the treatment protocol requires correlation of the clinical and radiographic appearance, the operative findings and the histological subtype of the tumour. [1][2][3][4][9][10][11][12] Recent consensus is that a more aggressive approach is warranted for the treatment of the solid and multicystic ameloblastoma due to the extremely high recurrence rate following conservative treatment. 3,4,[8][9][10]13,19 Some authors believe that the only exception to such treatment would be in children, where a more conservative approach is advocated.…”

“…Following the impairment of the initial surgery, the reconstruction of the patient has been widely debated and published. [9][10][11][12]19 Surgeons concur that the patient be restored as closely as possible to pre-treatment function and aesthetics.…”