Decompression as an Initial Procedure in Unicystic Ameloblastoma

Abstract

Unicystic ameloblastoma (UCA) is a variant of ameloblastoma that presents as a single cystic cavity. Usually, slightly more than 50% of the cases occur in the second decade of life. They are characterized by slow growth and relatively local aggressiveness, with the posterior portion of the mandible as the main site of origin. This case report describes a UCA occurring in the left mandible of an 18-year-old boy. He presented with progressive asymptomatic swelling with expansion of the buccal cortical plates of the left mandible. Panoramic imaging showed a well-defined unilocular asymmetric radiolucency with root resorption of some teeth in the affected area. An incisional biopsy revealed a single cavity lesion; thus, a plastic device was placed for decompression. The histopathological diagnosis was UCA. A follow-up after 3 months showed significant bone formation and decrease of the lesion. The patient is under follow-up.