Odontogenic tumour classification:
- Odontogenic epithelium iwthout odontogenic ectomenchyme
Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumour It is the most common clinically significant odontogenic tumour characterized by its slow growth and potential for extensive bone destruction
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Contributory factors :
Prevalence
Histological Features
- Islands of epithelial cells with reverse polarization of columnar cells
Unicystic:
- A central cystic cavity
- Lined with odontogenic epithelium
- Supporting stroma is composed of spindle cells and may contain inflammtory cells
- Central areas of the islands resemble the stellate reticulum
Radiographically:
- appear as well-defined radiolucencies
- May be uniloccular or multilocular (soap bubble or honeycombed appreance)
- Frequently associated with the jawbone and surrounding teeth
- Often associated with root resorption of adjacent teeth
Clinical Features
- causes bone resorption (bucco-lingual cortical expansion is common )
Location
- Most commonly seen in the posterior mandible, often seen in the 4th decade of life
Appearance
Differential Diagnoses
- Dentigerous cyst
- Squamous odontogenic tumour
- Ameloblastic carcinoma
Relevant Clinical Investigations
- OPG
- Biopsy
- Pulp vitality testing of adjacent teeth
Patient Management
- Treated surgically with wide resection margins
- unicystic ameloblastoma (luminal type) may be treated more conservatively with enucleation and curettage