Unicystic ameloblastoma of the maxillary anterior region: Clinical challenges and outcomes

Unilocular radiolucencies involving teeth and adjacent structures represent a wide group of pathologies ranging from odontogenic, non-odontogenic to bone lesions. Ameloblastoma, one of the frequently encountered odontogenic tumors is notable for its diverse clinical and radiographic presentations across different age groups. Cystic ameloblastoma appears radiographically as either unilocular or multilocular radiolucency. When a unilocular radiolucent lesion occurs in the maxillary anterior region, clinicians often consider a common odontogenic cyst rather than the unicystic variant of ameloblastoma, given the rarity of the lesion in this location. Consequently, when a typical cystic appearance arises in an atypical clinical setting, it becomes essential to broaden the differential diagnosis to include both the common and uncommon entities. This distinction is critical, as the choice of treatment and prognosis can vary considerably depending on the underlying pathology.