The conservative treatment of ameloblastoma, using diathermy or cryosurgery. A 29-year review.

At present, both the treatment, and the results of treatment, for ameloblastoma are variable, with high recurrence rates being reported. Since 1951, seven cases of extensive mandibular tumours have been treated by local excision, combined with diathermy and/or cryosurgery. After long-term follow-up there is no evidence of recurrence. In this review some cases have involved more radical treatment, viz. maxillectomy and radiotherapy, but it is now proposed that the majority of cases of mandibular ameloblastoma can be treated conservatively. Cryosurgery is advocated as an adjunct in the operative treatment of ameloblastoma, and its use is supported by recent research and clinical publications, although the time-span for review of these cases is, at yet, limited.