Diagnosis and management of unicystic ameloblastomous lesion of the mandible. Does it influence the clinician- A report of a case and differential diagnosis

Abstract

Ameloblastomas are an enigmatic group of tumours. Their name implies a resemblance to cells of enamel forming organ (dental hard tissues). Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumour which is an archetype of a neoplasm where the neoplastic component is epithelial only without contribution from the ectomesenchyme. Most common odontogenic neoplasm in Indian population. Ameloblastoma is locally aggressive, but often asymptomatic, showing a slow growth which is manifested as a facial swelling or radiographic incidental finding. Unicystic ameloblastoma refers to those cystic lesions that show clinical, radiographic, or gross features of a mandibular cyst, but on histological examination show a typical ameloblastomatous epithelium lining with or without luminal tumour growth. We present an unusual case of unicystic ameloblastoma appearing as an interdental radiolucent lesion of the mandible in a 26 years old male patient. In addition, an insight on the various pathologies such as radicular cyst, lateral periodontal cyst, collateral keratocystic odontogenic tumour, Squamous odontogenic tumour, central giant cell granuloma, extra follicular adenomatoid odontogenic tumour, central odontogenic myxoma, glandular odontogenic cyst, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour, with similar presentations were critically evaluated & discussed in differential diagnosis of such entities.