Treatment of ameloblastoma of the jaws in children

Background: To report the surgical experience on the treatment of ameloblastoma of the jaws in children. Method: This is a prospective study of six children below the age of 16 years with ameloblastoma of the jaws seen at the Maxillofacial Unit of the Department of Surgery, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital over a fifteen year period. The clinico-pathological data and management of these children is presented here. The initial surgical technique used in their treatment consisted of one mandibular resection three enucleations with preservation of the surrounding dentition, and two marginal mandibular resections, preserving the lingual cortical plate in one, and the lower cortical border in the other. Results: Though the end result of treatment in all the six children was satisfactory, all the three cases of enucleation showed signs of recurrence soon after and needed repeated surgery. Conclusion: In terms of long term cure for this tumour, enucleation has limited benefits. In children however, especially in those afflicted with the unilocular type, enucleation may be used as an interim procedure for the mandible to achieve further growth before carrying out a more appropriate definitive surgery.