SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF DESMOPLASTIC AMELOBLASTOMA: CONSERVATIVE OR RADICAL APPROACH

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin. It is locally aggressive with unlimited growth capacity and a high potential for malignant transformation and metastasis. (1) Nowadays, there are two opposing approaches to the surgical management of ameloblastoma. The conservative approach consists of enucleation and/or curettage and the radical approach consists of bone resection with margins of at least 1cm (segmental or not). (2) In this work, we will present a case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma diagnosed in 2014. The patient had been benefiting from regular follow-up. However, a recurrence occurred in 2021. This paper delves into our experiences in managing desmoplastic ameloblastoma, initially employing a conservative approach in 2014 and later transitioning to a radical approach in 2021 in response to the recurrence.