Radiographic study of the unicystic ameloblastoma

단방성 법랑모세포종의 방사선학적 연구

Purpose : To acquire the useful diagnostic information through the analysis of the clinical and radiological characteristics of mandibular unicystic ameloblastoma. Materials and Methods : The researchers compared and analysed the clinical and radiological features of 79 cases of mandibular unicystic ameloblastoma confirmed by histopathlogic examination. Results : The results of our research showed that unicystic ameloblastomas occurred more frequently in males than in females and the incidence is the highest in the 2nd and 3rd decades. These lesions occurred most frequently in angle-ramus area, mandibular molar area, and anterior area in descending order respectively $68.4\%$, $24\%$, and $7.6\%$. These lesions had smooth ($54.4\%$) rather than undulating ($45.6\%$) borders. These lesions showed well- defined borders in $59.5\%$ among all the cases. Root resorption and loss of lamina dura were observed as $55.7\%$ and $58.5\%$ respectively. Displacement of mandibular canal was observed in $55.9\%$ among all the related cases. Internal pattern of lesional radiolucency was observed as even ($49.4\%$) or uneven ($50.6\%$). Conclusion : These results would be helpful in diagnosing of mandibular unicystic ameloblastoma. (Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol 2005; 35 : 47-50)