The radiological features of ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma of the jaw is a rare tumour which behaves differently from a simple cyst or tumour because it is locally invasive and tends to recur after removal. The pre-operative diagnosis is important as the removal of this tumour is a more extensive procedure than excision of a simple cyst or tumour of similar size. In this survey eleven of the sixteen presenting tumours showed as a radiolucent area with at least three of the following additional features: expansion of the overlying cortical plate; a corticated scalloped margin; a multilocular appearance; resorption of the root or roots of adjacent teeth. In these eleven cases the radiological features suggested the pathological diagnosis. In the other five presenting cases, a unilocular radiolucent area was present without additional features to suggest that the lesion was other than a simple cyst or tumour. All six recurrent tumours showed as a multilocular radiolucency with a corticated scalloped margin, and perforation of the overlying cortical plate was demonstrated in all of them.