Radiographic analysis of ameloblastoma: a retrospective study

Ameloblastoma is benign odontogenic tumor, usually affecting the posterior region of mandible. It is seen in the third to fifth decades of life. Radiographically the lesion is variable in appearance and may be unilocular or multilocular, with well-defined cortical borders in the mandible and ill-defined margins in the maxilla.

To analyze cases of ameloblastoma, with emphasis on the radiographic findings. We also review the current literature briefly and discuss the clinical and radiographic findings.

The present hospital-based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the clinical and radiographic records of ameloblastoma cases from 2009 to 2011, available in the archives of the department. The data of a total of 14 patients were analyzed.

We observed that the patients affected with ameloblastoma were in the age-group of 19-68 years. The male: female ratio was 1.3:1. The mandible (78.57%) was more commonly affected than the maxilla (14.28%). Six patients (42.86%) had unilateral involvement and eight cases (57.14%) had bilateral involvement. The multilocular and unilocular types of ameloblastoma were noted in 12 (85.72%) and 2 cases (14.28%), respectively. The soap-bubble (50.00%), spider-web (21.43%), and honeycomb (14.28%) appearances were seen in the multilocular variety. Root resorption of variable degree was distinctly observed in 11 cases (78.57%).

Radiographs are an important aid for the diagnosis of oral lesions of various types, especially those that involve bone. It is important for the practicing clinicians to know the salient features of ameloblastoma which are peculiar to the local population.