Clinico-pathological study of 30 unicystic ameloblastomas

The clinico-pathological records of 30 unicystic ameloblastomas collected over a period of 10 years were studied. The mean age at diagnosis was 18.0 years (SD +/- 8.1), most lesions were located in the mandible and were frequently associated with impacted teeth, root resorption and tooth displacement. The unicystic ameloblastomas in 11 patients (4 females and 7 males) exhibited invasion of the fibrous wall, 4 cases (1 female and 3 males) showed intra-luminal proliferation and the remaining 15 specimens (9 females and 6 males) were lined by non-proliferating ameloblastic epithelium. Two cases recurred 3 and 7 years after initial surgical removal. This study reveals the potential aggressive behaviour of unicystic ameloblastomas and underlines the importance of a thorough microscopic examination for sub-classification.