Unicystic Ameloblastoma: Treatment Outcomes and Risk of Recurrence – A 19-Year Institution-Based Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) is a variant of ameloblastoma; although benign, it is believed to be a destructive tumor, is locally invasive, and presents a high rate of recurrence. The study aims to analyze the prevalence, features, treatment outcomes, and the relationship between the clinicopathological features and the recurrence of UA in 19-year follow-up data. Materials and Methods: The clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed records of cases of UA from 2006 to 2024 (19 years) were retrieved from the archives. The patient’s age, gender, location, radiographic appearance, preoperative diagnosis, treatment recurrence, and follow-up data were obtained from the case summaries. Results: Thirty-seven cases were reviewed, and the prevalence of UA was most commonly seen in the younger age group; all the individuals included in this study showed the involvement of the mandible. Type 3 showed more frequency of recurrence compared with the other types. Age, sex, and histological type of UA were identified as risk factors for a higher recurrence rate (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study found a significant link between UA recurrence risk and its histological subtype. Conservative management via enucleation and curettage, coupled with strict follow-up, is recommended due to observed delayed recurrence patterns.

Keywords

• ameloblastoma
• follow-up studies and enucleation
• recurrence