Vol. 11, Issue 4, Part F (2025)

Background: Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor arising from odontogenic epithelium, accounting for 19.3-41.5% of all odontogenic tumors. Although it generally exhibits slow growth, certain variants are locally aggressive with high recurrence potential. The tumor shows higher prevalence in Asian and African populations and most frequently involves the posterior mandible.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical presentation, histopathological subtypes, surgical management, and treatment outcomes of ameloblastoma.
Methods: Literature on ameloblastoma was reviewed, emphasizing WHO classification changes, epidemiology, imaging features, histopathology, and therapeutic approaches. Variants including conventional, unicystic, peripheral, desmoplastic, and metastasizing types were discussed, along with their age, site distribution, and growth characteristics. Diagnostic modalities such as CT, MRI, OPG, and histopathology were highlighted.
Results: Clinical presentation most often includes slow-growing, painless mandibular swelling, with radiographic appearances ranging from unilocular to multilocular radiolucencies. Histologically, follicular and plexiform patterns predominate, with multiple described variants. Conservative management is associated with recurrence rates up to 40%, particularly in solid/multicystic forms. Radical resection with adequate bony margins remains the gold standard, while unicystic and peripheral lesions may be amenable to conservative surgery. Reconstruction typically involves vascularized free bone grafts. Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are reserved for aggressive, recurrent, or metastatic disease.
Conclusion: Optimal management of ameloblastoma requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate selection of surgical modality, and long-term follow-up to minimize recurrence while preserving function and aesthetics. A thorough understanding of its clinicopathological spectrum is essential for preventing local and systemic complications.