Brain ameloblastoma: metastasis or local extension case report and physipathological reflexion.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a rare benign odontogenic tumor with a metastasis rate estimated at 2% of cases, mainly involving the lung (80%) and lymph nodes (20%).

METHODS: We hereby present the case of a 26 year old patient with a history of locally recurrent mandibular ameloblastoma who developed a temporal intracranial ameloblastoma tumor requiring a collaborative neurosurgical and maxillo-facial radical surgical approach.

CONCLUSION: Although ameloblastomas are histologically benign, the temporal topography questions the dissemination pathophysiology of the tumor (metastasis or local extension through temporal muscle fibers), mainly relevant in cases of multiple recurrences.