The unicystic ameloblastoma: a clinicopathological study of 57 cases

Abstract

A clinicopathological study of 57 unicystic ameloblastomas has been undertaken, which represents 15% of all cases of ameloblastoma accessioned in our department over a 30‐yr period. Of the cases where gender was recorded: 30 were male and 23 female. The majority of patients were black (51 cases) and most occurred in the mandible (52). This distribution conforms to that of solid and multicystic ameloblastomas. The mean age at diagnosis was 23.8 years (S.D. 14.9) which is significantly younger than for the conventional counterpart (p <0.1%). The lesions were classified histologically into 3 groups: Group 1 (42%) cyst lined by a variable often non‐descript epithelium; Group 2 (9%) cyst showing intraluminal pelxiform proliferation of epithelium; Group 3 (49%) cyst with invasion of epithelium into the cyst wall in either follicular or plexiform patterns. While Group 1 and 2 lesions may be treated by enucleation, Group 3 lesions should be treated aggressively as for conventional ameloblastomas. The objectives of correct histological diagnosis, sub‐classification and appropriate therapy are best achieved by enucleation biopsy. There is little evidence to support origin from pre‐existing odontogenic cysts.

Odontogenic Tumors, WHO 2005: Where Do We Go from Here?

“…The text defines unicystic ameloblastoma using the criteria proposed in the original article by Robinson and Martinez [15] in 1977 and subdivides them into luminal and mural. The text does not acknowledge that subsequent authors have recommended that mural invasion should be viewed as conventional ameloblastoma [16][17][18]. Li et al [19] in 2000 reported a recurrence rate of 36 % with mural invasion in unicystic ameloblastomas and a recurrence rate of less than 10 % with the other subtypes.…”

Plexiform Unicystic Ameloblastoma: A Case Report and Data Analysis in the Indian Population

“…Most of the time ameloblastomas are asymptomatic and are first seen on a routine radiograph. As the lesion slowly enlarges the patient seldom notices it until it becomes obviously disfiguring [10]. Hence most of the patients report at later stage of the disease as in our case.…”

“…Ackerman et al [10] reviewed 57 cases of UA and found that nearly half of the patients were \20 years of age. Compared to multicystic ameloblastoma, unicystic variety occurs more commonly at younger age as in our patient.…”

“…In a clinicopathologic study of 57 cases of UA, Ackerman et al [10] classified this entity into the following three histologic groups:…”

Hemangioameloblastoma: A Rare Presentation

“…At radiography these lesions appear as a well-defined, wellcorticated radiolucency resembling a dental cyst. 13 The biologic behavior is thought to be similar to that of the conventional ameloblastoma, but because few cases have been reported, the pathogenesis and clinical features are not yet fully understood and biologic behavior cannot be predicted.…”