Ameloblastoma: demographic data and treatment outcomes from Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of published data on the demographics and treatment outcomes of ameloblastomas treated in Australia. Our objective was to collect this data and compare the findings to other international studies. METHODS: A retrospective study of 42 patients with ameloblastoma was conducted at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia. Data on the demographic features, management techniques (ablative and reconstructive), and outcomes were collected and analysed. RESULTS: The majority of tumours were solid/multicystic (81%) and occurred most commonly in the mandible (80.5%). Unicystic ameloblastomas affected a younger age group, with Type 3 being the most common subtype. Overall, the recurrence rate for solid/multicystic ameloblastomas was 14.7%; however, radical surgery was found to have a significantly lower recurrence rate when compared to conservative management (p=0.015), with a mean of 51 months follow-up. Results indicated that vascularized free-flaps had fewer postoperative complications than non-vascularized bone grafts; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest clinicopathological study regarding ameloblastoma management from Australia, and our results support the current literature in recommending radical surgery for the treatment of solid/multicystic and Type 3 unicystic tumours.