Ameloblastomas are benign slow-growing aggressive neoplasms with a poorly understood potential for rare metastasis. They are capable of reaching large sizes with extensive local bone erosion and destruction. They are composed of a mixture of ameloblastic epithelium and mesenchyme and arise from rests of outer and inner enamel epithelium and dental lamina. Microscopically, ameloblastomas are recognizable from their recapitulation of embryologic ameloblasts and stellate reticulum. There are 3 subtypes: the conventional or solid-multicystic variant, the unicystic variant, and the desmoplastic variant. Treatment planning for a given tumor includes consideration of location, primary versus recurrent, size, presence of cortical perforation, and age and health of the patient. Complete excision is recommended for conventional and desmoplastic variants. The unicystic variant requires additional subtyping to determine the best treatment approach.
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