Conservative treatment of a unicystic ameloblastoma by marsupialization with a favorable response: A case report and review of the literature

Ameloblastoma is a benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium which is slow growing, locally invasive,expansive that may result with asymmetries of the face. Conservative treatment of odontogenictumors with marsupialization is not common but can be done successfully in those with cysticpattern. The aim of this case and literature review is to propose marsupialization as an initialprocedure for its treatment. We have presented a case of an ameloblastoma involving 56 ‑year‑oldmale patient. Orthopantomography and computed tomography showed the lesion extendedbetween the right molar region and left molar region of mandible with both buccal and lingualexpansion and root resorptions. On clinical examination, expansions of mandible and slight toothmobilities were seen. An incisional biopsy was carried out and histopathologic examination revealedameloblastoma although clinical features of lesion were more suggestive of cyst. Our case was treatedby obturator marsupialization with a good healing. This case and review of the literature discussesthe available treatment option according to macroscopic features of jaw lesions and emphasizeson the importance of the most conservative treatment option. Conservative treatment preservesintegrity of bones while radical treatment can leave major cosmetic and functional sequelae suchas pathologic fractures, complication with reconstruction plates.Key Words: Ameloblastoma, jaw cysts, jaw neoplasms, odontogenic tumors
Source: Dental Research Journal - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research