The ‘D–M–C’ strategy for conventional ameloblastoma of the mandible: a retrospective study

The purpose of this multicentre study was to evaluate the efficacy of the ‘dredging–marsupialization–curettage’ (D–M–C) strategy in the treatment of conventional intraosseous ameloblastoma of the mandible. A total of 31 patients from three institutions, who had a pathological diagnosis of conventional ameloblastoma of the mandible, were treated with the D–M–C strategy. The surgical protocol comprised a dredging and marsupialization (D–M) step, with additional D–M steps as required. The patients then underwent curettage (C) once an obvious effect of the D–M step had been achieved during follow-up. Eight patients were followed up for ≥36 months but <60 months, while 23 were followed up for ≥60 months. Nineteen of the 23 patients followed up for ≥60 months were disease-free at the last follow-up, with no evidence of recurrence. The D–M step is effective for reducing the tumour size and preserving vital structures. The D–M–C surgical strategy may be a feasible treatment option for conventional ameloblastoma of the mandible.