unicystic ameloblastoma presenting as a multilocular radiolucency in the anterior mandible: a case report

ameloblastomas are tumors of odontogenic epithelial origin. the term unicystic ameloblastoma is used to describe cystic lesions with clinico-radiographic features resembling an odontogenic cyst, but histologically showing the presence of ameloblastomatous epithelium lining part of the cyst cavity. a large majority of lesions are found in the mandible, and usually cause a painless swelling of the jaws. they can be radiographically subdivided into 'dentigerous' and 'non-dentigerous' types. the unicystic ameloblastoma is believed to be less aggressive than a solid/multicystic ameloblastoma, and thus has a more favorable response to enucleation and curettage. this case report presents a case of unicystic ameloblastoma with a multilocular radiographic appearance in the anterior mandible of a 45-year-old female patient, along with a literature review of the topic.