The professional literature is the historic depository of data that helps guide the clinician in the treatment of pathologic conditions. Single reports, case series, and retrospective studies all have their influence on the surgical approach to treatment. Individual practitioners and training programs frequently use a literature search in preparation for the management of lesions or in resident teaching. Directed by this assumption, the Section on Research of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons conducted a panel discussion on the “Management of AmeloblastomaConservative vs Aggressive” (AAOMS Clinical Congress, 1988). The panel found that the absence of standardized terminology for methods of excision and the omission of critical details were major deficiencies in the surgical literature on ameloblastoma. The two teams concluded that the literature was inadequate to allow valid analysis of treatment modalities and outcome. As a result of this debate, a committee was appointed to develop definitions for terms applicable to methods of excision of any lesion in bone. The committee recognized that other parameters of documentation in the surgical literature also were deficient or lacking and should be addressed. Review of the literature shows that accurate,