Ameloblastoma ofthe Mandible and Maxilla : CT Findings

Purpose: To describe the characteristic CT findings of ameloblastomas in the mandibleand maxilla . Materials and Methods: CT findings of 11 patients with ameloblastoma(9 cases in the mandible and 2 cases in the maxilla} proved by excisional biopsy were evaluated retrospectively with regard to the location , size, multilocularity, solid and cystic component , cortical destruction , soft tissue invasion , and contrast enhancement Results: Thesewere 8 multilculer expansile and 1 unicystic (developed in a dentigerous cyst) mandibler ameloblasftomas, and 2 unilocular maxillary ameloblasftomas. AII cases showed inhomogenously enhancing solid component, nine of which were larger than cystic component. Ninecases, largerthan 5 cm in diameter, revealed either a focal or extensive cortical destruction with various degree of invasion into the adjacent structures. One maxillary ameloblastoma contained a thick calcification along the margin ofthe lesion. Conclusion: Maxillomandibular ameloblastomas appeared as expansile lesion containing enhancing solid component relatively larger than cystic portion and having cortical destruction in large lesions(5cm> ). Maxillary ameloblastomas were unilocular in appearance in spite of multilocularity in mandibular counterparts.