Conservative treatment of unicystic mural ameloblastoma

Abstract

Mural ameloblastoma is a subtype of Unicystic Ameloblastoma characterised by the expansion or infiltration of tumour nodules into the fibrous wall of the cyst. The behaviour of this subtype is highly aggressive, with a risk of recurrence comparable with that of Conventional Ameloblastoma. Consequently, the preferred treatment for Unicystic mural Ameloblastom is broad resection of the tumour. In this case report we describe the successful conservative treatment of a Unicystic mural Ameloblastom associated with an impacted tooth. The conservative treatment consinsted in a initial marsupialization followed by the enucleation of the lesion performed with a lateral corticotomy to create a “bone door” and the relocation of the “bone door” using microplates and titanium screws.Our conservative approach preserved the integrity of the inferior alveolar nerve as well as mandibular functionality and resulted in a good aesthetic outcome.Due to the behaviour of this lesion, a strict follow up is mandatory. In our experience, follow-up is conducted as long as possible regardless of the surgical treatment. This protocol includes Cone Beam CT performed 1 year after surgery and panoramic radiology (OPG) once a year until 5 years after surgery. OPG is then repeated every 3 years in patients with Unicystic Ameloblastoma and every 2 years in those with Conventional Ameloblastoma or ameloblastoma with mural invasion. Suspected recurrence should be evaluated by CBCT.

Keywords

• Ameloblatoma
• Conservative treatment
• Follow up
• Lateral corticotomy
• Marsupialization
• Mural ameloblastoma