PURPOSE: We sought to descriptively review the
clinicopathologic features and surgical treatment of
ameloblastoma in children and young adults of Jordan.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from the
records of patients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery Unit of Jordan University of Science and Technology
between 1989 and 2002.
RESULTS: Ten patients (4 males and 6 females) were
included in the review. All of the cases involved the mandibular
molar-ramus region. The most common presenting sign was that of
a painless swelling. In 5 of the patients, a multilocular
radiolucent radiographic appearance was seen; the remaining 5
cases had a large unilocular radiolucent appearance. While 2
tumors were devoid of microcystic regions, 2 exhibited only a
few scattered cystic foci, and 6 were entirely cystic (unicystic).
Cases with a unilocular radiographic appearance were treated by
surgical enucleation plus rotary instrument peripheral ostectomy.
Cases with a multilocular radiographic appearance were treated
by surgical resection without a continuity defect. During the
follow-up period (average of 7.6 years), no recurrence or
metastasis was detected. All patients had desirable
postoperative function and appearance.
CONCLUSION: The clinicopathologic patterns of
ameloblastoma in these young Jordanians were found to be similar
to those of other whites. In this case series, minimal surgical
treatment of mandibular ameloblastoma resulted in no recurrence
and excellent postoperative function and appearance. Copyright
2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Institution
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan
University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. Khateeb@just.edu.jo |