Unicystic Ameloblastoma: A case report

Purpose Radiolucent neoplasms can be identified on dental radiographs in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Examples of these lesions include dentigerous cyst, radicular cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, and ameloblastoma. Many of these lesions require a histologic examination to render the definitive diagnosis. In terms of the ameloblastoma, there are four distinct types of this tumor. These include the conventional ameloblastoma, unicystic ameloblastoma (UA), extraosseous/peripheral ameloblastoma, and metastasizing ameloblastoma. The purpose of this report is to present a case report of a unicystic ameloblastoma found in a 30-year-old female who presented to a general dental practice with a chief complaint of pain and swelling in the mandibular left third molar region. Further evaluation and eventual surgical excision were delayed due to misdiagnosis and delay in performing the biopsy. The definitive diagnosis for this lesion was a benign unicystic ameloblastoma (UA). Due to the size of the defect, the patient required a partial mandibulectomy, reconstructive surgery and placement of two dental implants. While the long-term prognosis for this patient is good, regular surveillance is needed as UA neoplasms have a high recurrence rate. This case study emphasizes the need for oral health care professionals to be vigilant in identifying signs and symptoms of oral disease to support early and accurate diagnosis.