Sammanfattning
Background - Unicystic ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic
tumour that histopathologically presents itself as a
cystic lesion. They are mostly seen in younger patients and
are mainly found in the lower jaw. The cause is unknown. Unicystic
ameloblastoma is usually asymptomatic and is often
diagnosed by routine radiographic examination. The recurrence
rate is generally lower compared to the conventional
ameloblastoma, although in some cases the recurrence rate
is high.
Case study - A 20 year-old male was referred from his own
dentist to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
Aalborg University Hospital for diagnosis and treatment of a
swelling in the left side of the face. Panoramic x-ray showed
a well-defined multilocular radiolucency in the left mandible
with involvement of an unerupted mandibular third molar. The
lesion was removed by enucleation but a recurrence was detected
on the panoramic x-ray at the 1-year follow-up. This
was surgical removed and the 5-year follow-up showed no
sign of recurrence.
Conclusion - Unicystic ameloblastoma is a rare benign tumour
which clinically and radiographically can be difficult to
separate from a dentigerous cyst or odontogenic keratocys.
Histological examination is required because of the recurrence
rate. The tumour is treated by surgical removal. However,
the recurrence rate is high and a prolonged clinical and
radiographic follow-up is necessary.