Conservative Approach of an Unicystic Ameloblastoma on a Young Patient - Case Report

Abstract

Objective: the aim of this study was to report the success of the conservative treatment on a uni-cystic ameloblastoma on a young patient. Case report: a 12-year young male, presented for consultation at the Stomatology clinic with the chief complaint of facial asymmetry and limited mouth opening. At the extraoral clinical examination, it could be observed the presence of facial swelling on the left side. At intraoral examination, swelling and erased vestibule in the left posterior region of the mandible was observed. The pano-ramic radiography showed an unilocular, radiolucent osteolytic lesion that involved the mandible body, angle and ramus and caused the upper displacement of tooth 38. Cone-beam computed tomography showed expansion of the buccal and lingual bone. In view of these findings the diagnostic hypotheses were: Dentigerous Cyst; Unicystic Ameloblastoma and Ameloblastic Fibroma. An incisional biopsy was performed, which established the definitive diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma. The patient underwent marsupialization and nine months later, enucleation. After a 7-year clinical follow-up, the patient remains free of the disease. Conclusion: conservative surgical treatment of unicystic ameloblastoma may be indicated in young patients, in order to avoid a mutilating procedure.