Radiotherapy for a repeatedly recurrent ameloblastoma with malignant transformation

Abstract

Background: The role of radiation therapy (RT) for ameloblastoma remains controversial and undetermined due to the rarity of the disease.

Methods: A case of repeatedly recurrent ameloblastoma with malignant transformation is presented. The clinical course and managements are described.

Results: The 63-year-old man had a recurrent ameloblastoma in the left mandible. Five years after the first surgical resection, he underwent 8 more rounds of surgical excision of the recurrent tumors. The malignant transformation occurred and the unresectable tumor invaded the masticator space, parapharyngeal space, and skull base. He received 3-dimensional conformal RT, at the dose of 66 Gray (Gy) in 33 fractions. The ulcerative exophytic mass had regressed gradually. After follow-up of 28 months, the tumor was well controlled.

Conclusions: RT seems to be a feasible treatment option for recurrent ameloblastoma with malignant transformation.

Keywords: ameloblastoma; malignant transformation; radiotherapy.