Ameloblastoma– A Radiographic series

Background and Setting: Ameloblastomas are uncommon, locally aggressive odontogenic tumors that comprise 1% of radiolucent lesions of the jaws. On panoramic radiographs, these lesions may appear either unilocular or multilocular; and, histologically, as unicystic or multicystic. Both unilocular and multilocular variants have been shown to recur, particularly following inadequate surgical treatment. The site, margin, and influence of the lesion on adjacent structures can be assessed radiographically and can aid in diagnosis and further treatment planning. Objective: A series of 6 random cases of ameloblastomas which, reported to the outpatient department of the institution, and that presented with varied clinical and radiographic features were studied. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the clinical and radiographic records of archived ameloblastoma cases from 2016 to 2017; available in the department. The total of 6 patients' records that fulfilled the criteria of the study was selected. Results: The ameloblastoma patients in this case series, were in the age group 14-41years. The male: female ratio was 2:1. The mandible (100%) was more commonly affected than the maxilla (0) of which the posterior mandible was involved in 83.3% cases. Off the posterior mandibular cases, 80% cases showed multilocularity, and 20% of the cases exhibited unilocular radiolucencies. In the anterior mandible, all the cases were 100% unilocular. Root resorption of variable degree was distinctly observed in only 33.3% cases, whereas was absent in 66.7% cases; as opposed to the tooth displacement, which was seen in 4/6 (66.7%) cases (and absent in 33.3% cases. The cortical expansion on the buccal and lingual side was 66.7% whereas no cortical expansion was noted in 33.3% of the cases. Conclusion: Radiographic findings are not always expected to provide a specific diagnosis, but aids in narrowing down the differential diagnosis; assisting the clinicians in determining the patient’s treatment planning. It is important for a surgeon to know the vital radiologic features of ameloblastomas, which are prevalent in their local populatio