Management of paediatric ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumour of epithelial origin that is slowly growing, locally aggressive, has a high recurrence rate but is uncommon in children. It has a peak incidence in the third and fourth decades of life. Treatment of ameloblastoma in children is complicated by three factors: (1) physiologic factors such as the continued facial growth, different bone physiology and the presence of unerupted teeth; (2) difficulty in the initial diagnosis and (3) predominance of the unicystic type of ameloblastoma. To present the outcome and advantage of a conservative treatment approach in the management of unicystic ameloblastoma in a paediatric patient. An 11-year-old individual reported with osteolytic lesion right ramus of the mandible involving the body with impacted teeth mimicking dentigerous cyst. Incisional biopsy was suggestive of ameloblastoma without any known subtype. Considering the age and the subsequent reconstruction options, he was operated for peripheral ostectomy with chemical cauterisation. A satisfactory post-operative outcome was achieved. The case was followed up for 2 years with no sign of recurrence. Ameloblastomas in children differ from those in adults, with a higher percentage of unicystic tumours. Enucleation with peripheral ostectomy seems a viable option in paediatric patients considering the amount of post-operative morbidity associated with aggressive management which can always be taken up a later stage if warranted.