Ameloblastoma is considered to be a locally malignant tumor and be able to reach a large size without evidence of metastasis because of its invasiveness and tendency to recur.
Recently a massive recurrent ameloblastoma of the mandible involving the middle cranial base was experienced. The patient was a 58 year-old male, complaining of tumorous lesion of his right face The biopsied specimen indicated ameloblastoma histologically. Under general anesthesia, the tumor was extirpated including the invaded skin, combined with partial resection of the mandible, maxilla and zygoma. Though the middle cranial base was resorbed, the dura was intact and could be preserved. The wound was primarily closed and healed uneventfully. Tumor size was 28×11×10 cm and weight was 1, 750g.
There was no evidence of recurrence about 2 years after the operation.
