Unicystic ameloblastoma of the mandible - a case report with hemimandibulectomy

Ameloblastoma is a true neoplasm of odontogenic epithelial origin. Its incidence, combined with its clinical behavior, makes ameloblastoma the most significant odontogenic neoplasm. Unicystic ameloblastoma refers to those cystic lesions that show clinical, radiographic or gross features of a jaw cyst but on histologic examination show a typical ameloblastomatous epithelium lining the cyst cavity, with or without luminal and/or mural tumor proliferation. As this tumor shows considerable similarities with dentigerous cysts, both clinically and radiographically the biologic behaviour of this tumor group was reviewed. Unicystic type has a considerably better overall prognosis and a much reduced incidence of recurrence compared with conventional ameloblastoma.