Intracranial Extension Of Giant Multicystic Maxillomandibular Ameloblastoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Maxillomandibular Ameloblastoma (A) is a slow growing but locally aggressive odontogenic tumour with a high recurrence rate, which can cause severe facial disfigurement and functional impairment. We report a case of histologically confirmed giant multicystic maxillomandibular A with intracranial extension in a 35-yearold woman of the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria, which measured 24 x 19 x 15 cm in diameter. Intracranial extension of the multicystic subtype of A is extremely rare. This to the best of our knowledge is probably the sixth recorded intracranial extension of a multicystic A. She had a recurrence after a year of mandibulectomy. She delayed to seek medical attention for five years after the recurrence, during which the A grew to an enormous size with the complaints of pain, severe headache and loss of vision in the right eye. The radiologist plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of A. We advocate early radical surgery from the onset to prevent recurrence in multicystic A, and long term follow-up for early detection of possible relapses.