Large Unicystic Ameloblastoma of the Mandible

Abstract

Ameloblastoma is a true neoplasm of odontogenic epithelial origin. It is a slow-growing benign tumor of the jaw, and patients usually present late after the tumor achieves considerable size to cause facial disfigurement. Diagnosis mainly from tissue biopsy and radiograph findings does assist in differentiating between types of ameloblastoma. Unicystic ameloblastoma is a tumor with a strong propensity for recurrence. There is a difference in biological behavior between mural unicystic ameloblastoma and those which are simply cystic or show intraluminal proliferation. The challenges in the management of this tumor are to provide complete excision in addition to reconstructing the bony defect, to provide the patient with reasonable cosmetic and functional outcome. The authors report a case of a mural unicystic ameloblastoma in a 23-year-old man who was treated by partial resection of the mandible. Biomedical prototypes were used because they provide acceptable precision and are useful for treatment planning.

Aggressive unicystic ameloblastoma affecting the posterior mandible: late diagnosis during orthodontic treatment

“…Panoramic radiographs, even displaying a two-dimensional aspect of such lesions, are useful to estimate invasion and other signs, such as root resorption, at the expense of a relatively lower radiation dose46. However, CT scans are mandatory for tridimensionally delimiting the lesion area and assessing the relationships with skull structures accurately67. In the present case, the UA was an asymptomatic and slowly growing tumor, corroborating the literature1234.…”

“…Although this behavior is more common in the multicystic pattern, some unicystic lesions can present a similar biological profile13. In this case report, lesion diagnosis was firstly neglected; however, imaging exams should have been a substantial tool in the assessment and treatment planning7. Panoramic radiographs, even displaying a two-dimensional aspect of such lesions, are useful to estimate invasion and other signs, such as root resorption, at the expense of a relatively lower radiation dose46.…”

Current Concepts and Occurrence of Epithelial Odontogenic Tumors: I. Ameloblastoma and Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor

“…As a result, there is a difference in the biological behavior between mural unicystic ameloblastomas and those which are simply cystic or exhibit intraluminal proliferation 53. However, unicystic ameloblastomas have a distinct trait of less aggressive behavior compared to conventional ameloblastomas 54…”

Conservative management (marsupialization) of unicystic ameloblastoma: literature review and a case report

“…However, this condition may also present with jaw expansion [ 4 , 6 ]. On the basis of the histologic architecture, clinical behavior, and prognosis, four types of ameloblastomas can be classified: (1) conventional or classical, intraosseous, solid, or multicystic ameloblastoma; (2) unicystic ameloblastoma (UA); (3) peripheral or extraosseous ameloblastoma; and (4) desmoplastic ameloblastoma [ 1 , 2 , 7 , 8 ]. Of these, 5 to 15% of all ameloblastomas are of the unicystic type [ 7 ].…”

“…The traditional treatment of a complete resection of the lesion site could result in numerous complications, such as functional and masticatory change, mutilations, and facial deformities [ 14 ]. To avoid complications associated with more radical operations, conservative treatments are widely employed for treating UA in children [ 1 , 2 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 16 ].…”