Background: Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor that represents 1% of all tumors in the oral cavity and it is clinically classified in three types. Currently, solid and multi-cystic are considered locally aggressive, with high recurrence rates with conservative treatment.
Material and methods: Objective of the present review is to assess whether the surgical treatment should be conservative or radical. English articles published between 2009-2014, with available summary and in humans were included.
Results: 241 articles were found, 188 were excluded because analyzing. 53 articles were analyzed and finally 14 were selected for this review.
Conclusions: The optimal surgical treatment of ameloblastoma should minimize recurrences, restore function and aesthetic and present a minimal morbidity in the donor area. Surgical planning must be performed based on the patient comorbidities, the size and location of the tumor, the techniques available for reconstruction and the surgeon's experience-Radical surgery appears to be the most recommended option in multicystic / solid and advanced unicystic tumors, along with long-term follow-up for the possibility of recurrence beyond 10 year. Conservative surgery combined with a support technique and long-term follow-up is reserved for the unicystic and multicystic / solid types if small extension. Prospective and randomized studies for ameloblastoma are recommended. Key words:Ameloblastoma, surgery, enucleation, radical.