Giant Unicystic Ameloblastoma in a Teenager of Azande Tribe: A Clinical Case Report

Malisaba Posite Charles,1,2 Tatana Museketwa Faustin,3 Mihret Adane Woldemichael,4 Elizabeth Vargas Escalante,4 Mohamed Abdirahman Mohamud Snr,4 Fazila Malengera Laetitia,5 Acan Moses,5,6 Mirna Batista Santos,1 Tumwesigire Samuel,1,7 Zeinab Ibrahim Ali,8 Mughanda Mugheni Olive,9 Alain Bakwanamaha Maha,10 Jeannot Baanitse,3 Mahad Said,1 Henry Wabinga,1 Yanurkis Duranones Rosales8 1Department of Pathology, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda; 2Department of Pathology, Université Catholique du Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo; 3Department of General Surgery, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda; 4Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda; 5Department of Radiology, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda; 6Department of Radiology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; 7Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; 8Department of Maxillo-facial Surgery, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda; 9Department of Internal Medicine, Kampala International University, Ishaka, Uganda; 10Department of Surgery, Université Catholique du Graben, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the CongoCorrespondence: Malisaba Posite Charles, Email [email protected]: Ameloblastoma, a locally aggressive benign odontogenic tumor, represents about 1% of jaw tumors. While typically affecting adults aged 30– 60, this case highlights its occurrence in a 17-year-old. Incidence varies globally, with lower rates in non-African populations (around 0.5 per million annually) compared to higher prevalence in Nigeria and South Africa, where Black populations show increased susceptibility. Limited epidemiological data from sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, likely underestimates the burden due to underreporting in rural areas with poor healthcare access. A 17-year-old female of the Azande tribe, Bantu ethnicity, presented with a four-year history of a massive, painless right mandibular swelling causing significant facial asymmetry. Examination revealed a large mass (13.8 x 11.5 x 11 cm). A CT scan indicated a unilocular cystic lesion. Histopathology confirmed ameloblastoma with follicular and plexiform patterns. The patient underwent a right total hemi-mandibulectomy, and the excised tumor (19 x 16× 10 cm) was classified as an intraluminal unicystic ameloblastoma. This case emphasizes the presentation of a giant unicystic ameloblastoma in a young individual from sub-Saharan Africa, a demographic often underreported. The delayed presentation and substantial tumor size underscore diagnostic and management challenges in resource-limited settings. This report highlights the need for enhanced awareness and improved healthcare access for timely intervention in these populations. Vigilant long-term follow-up is essential due to the tumor’s recurrence potential.Keywords: ameloblastoma, giant tumor, odontogenic tumor, teenager, azande tribe, mandible