台耳醫誌

Ameloblastoma, a slow-growing benign odontogenic tumor, is characterized by local invasion and high recurrence. However, the probability of distant metastasis in ameloblastoma is low. Patients typically remain asymptomatic until it is visible. At present, surgery is the main treatment option, including techniques ranging from conservative curettage to radical resection. The latter decreases recurrence but presents the challenge of bony defects that require reconstruction. We present the case of a 31-year-old man with ameloblastoma recurrence 2 years after undergoing tumor excision at a regional hospital. He presented with a large visible tumor in the right mandible. A radical resection was performed, followed by reconstruction with a free fibular osteocutaneous flap. Our experience and the existing literature support the use of radical resection to achieve better clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with tumor recurrence.
(J Taiwan Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 57:30-36)