Unicystic Ameloblastoma: A Diagnostic Conundrum

Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), a rare entity among ameloblastomas, is characterized as a tumor that typically occurs in a younger population. This case report aims to emphasize the significance of conducting histopathological examinations on all jawbone lesions, regardless of whether they appear clinically or radiologically insignificant. This study aims to present a case involving UA in a 12-year-old patient, shedding light on its management and follow-up, to assess the prognosis of surgical treatment. The 12-year-old male patient visited the outpatient department. With a complaint of swelling in the right. A maxillary region that had been present for the past three months, which was hard, painless, and measured approximately 6 x 3.5 cm. On Intraoral examination, a painless swelling was observed extending from the right maxillary canine to the distal side of the permanent first molar on the same side. The swelling had a normal texture and consistency, and it was not fixed to the underlying structures. Enucleation with removal of the permanent second molar along with curettage under general anesthesia was the planned treatment, with the differential diagnosis of UA. It was the first diagnosed as a dentigerous cyst and treated with enucleation, removal of the permanent second molar. The actual diagnosis was confirmed after histopathological examination, which revealed Luminal Variant of UA with cystic linings supported by fibrocellular stroma. Cystic lining was composed of a three- to four-layered, four-layer-thick odontogenic epithelium. In these cases, long-term follow-up is necessary as recurrence rates are high. Frequent post-surgical radiographic examinations favor early detection of recurrence.