A Unique Case of Unicystic Ameloblastoma With Distinctive Mucous Metaplasia

Abstract

We report a case of unicystic ameloblastoma with mucous cell differentiation in the anterior maxilla who suffered from painful swelling for 2 months. A radiograph showed a irregular radiolucent lesion between the roots of 21, 22 and 23.
 Microscopic examination revealed the cystic lesion was lined with ameloblastic epithelium and goblet cells in the epithelium. The mucous cells reacted positively to PAS stain. The possible pathogenic mechanism of this case reflects the pluripotential character of the odontogenic epithelium. The prognosis is probably that expected for conventional unicystic ameloblastoma. Significance of identifying such case of mucous metaplasia in unicystic ameloblastoma is that it should be differentiated from mucous cell containing lesions like glandular odontogenic cyst and mucoepidermoid carcinoma.