Ameloblastoma of the jaws in Nigerian children

The records of sixteen patients under 18 years of age with ameloblastoma of the jaws treated at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, within the last 10 years were examined. In fifteen of the sixteen cases, the tumor was found in the mandible, with the symphysis being affected in seven cases. The ease with which the monocystic type of the tumor may be confused with a dentigerous cyst is pointed out. The different methods of treatment of ameloblastoma of the jaws in children are discussed.