Recurrence of ameloblastoma in bone grafts of a fibula free flap: A case report and literature review.

ABSTRACT

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor with high recurrence rate. It can cause severe abnormalities of the face and jaw, leading to severe disfiguration and impaired jaw and airway functions. Wide local excision and reconstruction are required for ameloblastoma. Recurrence in the free bone graft is rare, especially in the fibula free flap. A 67-year-old man had a history of ameloblastoma of the left mandible resected 16 years ago with reconstruction using the fibula free flap. Three years ago, radiologic examination suggested a possible tumor recurrence in the fibula free flap. Because of the left facial swelling with hard, painless, and elastic tumor extending in the mandibular, he was admitted to the hospital and underwent segmental mandibulectomy. Ameloblastoma in the fibula was confirmed by pathological examination meanwhile not invasion in soft tissue nor bone margin. At the 24-month follow-up, no recurrence was detected. As the strong tendency for recurrence, especially in cases of large tumor size and soft tissue involvement, the radical resection and long-term follow-up are recommended.