Recurrent unicystic ameloblastoma in a child

Unicystic ameloblastoma (UCA) is a clinical subtype of ameloblastoma that is considered prognostically different. The purpose of this report is to present a case of UCA showing dual radiographic pattern in a child. A detailed study of the lesion was carried out in an 8 year old female child who presented to our department of oral and maxillofacial pathology. Clinical, radiological and histopathological findings were recorded. In March 2005, a painless swelling in the left side of the mandible was noted, which on radiographic examination showed a unilocular radioluceny enclosing the crown of mandibular left permanent second molar, extending between the left first permanent molar and anterior margin of the ramus. Histopathologic diagnosis was UCA. The lesion was treated by enucleation. The patient returned with recurrence in 2009, at this time the lesion radiographically presented as a multilocular radiolucency with a soap bubble appearance, extending between the anterior border of the ramus and second premolar. Histopathologic diagnosis was UCA. The lesion was treated by segmental resection with immediate reconstruction. Although a number of treatment modalities are available to treat UCA, many factors need to be taken into consideration in the treatment of UCA in children.