Late loco-regional recurrences after radical resection for mandibular ameloblastoma.

5 cases of mandibular ameloblastoma are described with multiple recurrences after a long period of time. 4 of them were primarily treated by radical resection. 1 was initially treated by enucleation and extensive resection was performed only after its recurrence. The invasive growth of the recurrent tumor into the soft tissues and the cranial base, necessitating extensive ablative and reconstructive surgery, reflects the potential aggressiveness of this tumor. It is therefore recommended, to plan an adequate resection in cases of multicystic ameloblastoma, which includes a margin of at least 1 cm, of apparently non-invaded bone. If the tumor has eroded through the cortical bone and invaded into the soft tissues, wider margins are necessary to eliminate possible tumor extensions that are left behind. Adequate follow-up on a regular basis should enable the clinician to detect early recurrence so as to avoid major surgery.