3-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY RECONSTRUCTION IN TREATMENT PLANNING FOR LARGE AMELOBLASTOMA

A case of an unusually large mandibular ameloblastoma is reported in w hich standard radiologic examination failed to provide adequate visual ization of the tumor's limits because of overlapping structures and th e presence of compound shadows. Computed tomography imaging and three- dimensional reconstruction proved invaluable in the treatment planning of this large lesion, because it allowed the surgeon to visualize and comprehend the geography of the tumor and its relationship to surroun ding structures and soft tissues and to formulate a surgical plan. Use of this technique helped ensure complete excision of the tumor withou t excessive removal of uninvolved tissue.