PURPOSE: We sought to descriptively review the clinicopathologic features and surgical treatment of ameloblastoma in children and young adults of Jordan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from the records of patients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Jordan University of Science and Technology between 1989 and 2002.

RESULTS: Ten patients (4 males and 6 females) were included in the review. All of the cases involved the mandibular molar-ramus region. The most common presenting sign was that of a painless swelling. In 5 of the patients, a multilocular radiolucent radiographic appearance was seen; the remaining 5 cases had a large unilocular radiolucent appearance. While 2 tumors were devoid of microcystic regions, 2 exhibited only a few scattered cystic foci, and 6 were entirely cystic (unicystic). Cases with a unilocular radiographic appearance were treated by surgical enucleation plus rotary instrument peripheral ostectomy. Cases with a multilocular radiographic appearance were treated by surgical resection without a continuity defect. During the follow-up period (average of 7.6 years), no recurrence or metastasis was detected. All patients had desirable postoperative function and appearance.

CONCLUSION: The clinicopathologic patterns of ameloblastoma in these young Jordanians were found to be similar to those of other whites. In this case series, minimal surgical treatment of mandibular ameloblastoma resulted in no recurrence and excellent postoperative function and appearance. Copyright 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Institution
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. Khateeb@just.edu.jo