title: Effectiveness of a new decisional algorithm in managing mandibular ameloblastomas: a 10-years experience.
abstract: We present a new treatment algorithm aimed to assist surgeons to develop a rational diagnostic protocol and establish effective conservative surgical management in patients with mandibular ameloblastoma. Fifteen consecutive cases treated by conservative management were reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, symptoms and signs at diagnosis, anatomical distribution of the lesions, numbers and types of operations, number of recurrences, and duration of follow-up post-operatively. Curettage was the first operation for all patients and they were closely followed-up post-operatively. During the follow-up period (4-10 years), small recurrences were diagnosed early in 7 patients who were treated by radical surgery including marginal or "box" resection. No further recurrences were observed after the second operation. When detected early, recurrences are small and surrounded by a large amount of uninvolved normal bone so it is possible to manage them with a radical resection, so lowering the risk of further recurrence and avoiding severe cosmetic and functional problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Federico II, University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sammartino
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zarrelli
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Urciuolo
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: di Lauro
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: di Lauro
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Santarelli
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Giannone
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lo Muzio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003475:Curettage; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D010027:Osteotomy; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors