A case report of recurrent ameloblastoma of mandible with literature review

Ameloblastoma is an aggressive, benign odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin. It comprises about 1-3% of all odontogenic tumors of maxillofacial region. It is characterized by slow persistent growth, locally aggressive infiltrative lesion mainly occurring in mandibular ramus region. They are occasionally associated with the presence of an impacted third molar. Conservative to radical surgical approach is mainstay of treatment depending on the extend of lesion and its histopathological behavior. There may be a high local recurrence rate when the tumor is not properly removed, due to remaining tumor cells or seeding of tumor cells in adjacent regions. This article reports a case of a multicystic ameloblastoma that had been previously treated with conservative therapy which failed and resulted in recurrence eight years later. Radical surgical protocol with wide surgical margin of safety adopted to prevent the recurrence of these aggressive tumors.