Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic ameloblastoma.

Although there are several theoretic mechanisms for metastasis of ameloblastoma, hematogenous and lymphangitic spread are the most likely. Metastatic ameloblastoma in the lung can be accurately diagnosed by transbronchial biopsy. Surgical excision of metastatic ameloblastoma is one choice for treatment, but there is no good evidence that this benefits the patient. Treatment of metastatic ameloblastoma with previously used chemotherapeutic regimens has shown little clinical response and has always been followed by disease progression. There may be a role for our chemotherapy regimen for local control in dangerous locations, thereby facilitating further surgical removal and minimizing postoperative sequelae.