title: Clinico-pathological study of 30 unicystic ameloblastomas.
abstract: The clinico-pathological records of 30 unicystic ameloblastomas collected over a period of 10 years were studied. The mean age at diagnosis was 18.0 years (SD +/- 8.1), most lesions were located in the mandible and were frequently associated with impacted teeth, root resorption and tooth displacement. The unicystic ameloblastomas in 11 patients (4 females and 7 males) exhibited invasion of the fibrous wall, 4 cases (1 female and 3 males) showed intra-luminal proliferation and the remaining 15 specimens (9 females and 6 males) were lined by non-proliferating ameloblastic epithelium. Two cases recurred 3 and 7 years after initial surgical removal. This study reveals the potential aggressive behaviour of unicystic ameloblastomas and underlines the importance of a thorough microscopic examination for sub-classification.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Roos
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Raubenheimer
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: van Heerden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic