MANAGEMENT OF LARGE AMELOBLASTOMA: A CASE REPORT

Ameloblastoma, first recognized by Cusack in 1827, is a neoplasm of odontogenic epithelium, especially of enamel organ-type tissue that has not undergone differentiation to the point of hard tissue formation. It accounts for about 1% of all oral tumors and about 9-11% of odontogenic tumors. Ameloblastoma in the mandible can progress to a great size and cause facial asymmetry, displacement of teeth, malocclusion, and pathologic fractures. A case of large ameloblastoma of mandible in a 39 year old male patient is being reported. Patient had large swelling on left lower side of the jaw since 2 years. Swelling was approximately 15 X 10cm in size. Intraorally the swelling involved buccal and lingual cortical plates and was obliterating the vestibular space. Patient did not seek medical attention because swelling was painless. The patient was investigated and treated with surgical excision and was providedwith prosthesis to correct the post operative sequale. The patient showed uneventful recovery with no recurrence after a follow up of one year.