Surgical management of ameloblastoma in children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report experience in the treatment of ameloblastoma in Taiwanese children and to discuss the treatment regimen. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen patients, all younger than 18 years of age, with a diagnosis of ameloblastoma in our department between January 1991 and December 2004 were selected for study. Data included sex, age at surgery, tumor type, size and site of lesion, primary surgical methods, use of adjuvant therapy, complications, recurrences, and course of follow-up. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 9 to 17 (average was 13.7 years). Nine were male, 6 were female; the sex ratio was 1.5:1. Fourteen lesions were in the mandible (1 in the symphysis, 13 in the mandibular posterior area) and only 1 was in the maxilla. The size of the lesions ranged from 4 x 2.5 cm to 8 x 8 cm. Clinical typing included 8 unicystic type, 3 multicystic type, and 4 solid types. Of the histologic types, 5 were plexiform, 3 were mixed type, and 3 were acanthomatous type. Complications included numbness of the lower lip and contour defect of the face. Three cases (20%) were recurrent, and 1 patient had 2 recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Good results can be achieved in the treatment of ameloblastoma in children using conservative surgery. In the event of recurrence, a second surgery can be successful. Patient compliance and careful follow-up are important.