The term Unicystic Ameloblastoma (UA) refers to those cystic lesions that show clinical and radiological characteristics of an odontogenic cyst but on histological examination show a typical ameloblastomatous epithelium lining part of the cyst cavity, with or without luminal and/or mural tumor growth. Till date, lot of controversies exist among oral surgeons and oral pathologists regarding this entity. An attempt is being made here to discuss all the diagnostic dilemmas associated with UA.
This article consists of two selected case reports of a recently named odontogenic tumour, unicystic ameloblastoma. The clinical and radiographic findings of the two cases mimic that of odontogenic cysts but not dentigerous cysts as in most reported, cases. Histologically, either a normal or ameloblastomatous cyst lining is evident. Other features of ameloblastoma are present within the cyst wall or as luminal nodules within the cystic space. A review of the literature indicates that this is a non-aggressive tumour with a low recurrence rate.