Postoperative Radiation Therapy in Ameloblastoma of the Jaw: Report of Two Cases |
Yoon Kyeong Oh, Hwan Ho Yeo |
1Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Chosun University Medical College, Kwanjgu, Korea. 2Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Chosun University Dental College, Kwangju, Korea. |
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ABSTRACT |
Ameloblastoma is a rare epithelial tumor of the jaw, comprising approximately 1% of all tumors and cysts of odontogenic origin. The tumor has been the subject of much controversy and discussion. Ameloblastoma is slow growing, locally invasive, and has a high rate of local recurrence, but rarely metastasizes. The neoplasm has been considered radioresistant, so it has been treated with surgery primarily except some cases. Recently it is suggested that ameloblastoma is radiosensitive, so radiation therapy (RT) would be used in addition to or, in certain cases, in place of surgery. We report these two cases which were referred to the Department of Therapeutic Radiology for deciding the need of postoperative RT, because ameloblastoma is rare and has been known to be radioresistant. Postoperative RT was given to one of these two patients. |
Key Words:
Ameloblastoma, Postoperative Radiation Therapy, Jaw |
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