Recurrent ameloblastoma presenting as a soft tissue mass

Abstract

The ideal treatment for multicystic ameloblastoma is surgical resection with a margin of normal bony tissue. However, curettage or enucleation of an easily accessible lesion in the body of the mandible is an acceptable alternative, provided that the patient is available for follow-up. We present a case of ameloblastoma recurring in the soft tissues after repeated curettage. This case illustrates that it is possible to treat ameloblastoma in accessible regions of the mandible by repeated curettage, thus sparing the patient the morbidity of more ablative surgery for many years. The latest recurrence was unusual in that the recurrent lesion was located solely within soft tissue.