Clinical and Pathological Variants of Ameloblastoma of the Mandible: A Series of 5 Cases

Odontogenic in origin, ameloblastoma is a benign tumour, characterised by its locally aggressive behaviour and high tendency for recurrence, which necessitates early recognition and meticulous management. The tumour is primarily categorised into three variants, with conventional ameloblastoma being the most common, followed by less frequently encountered forms such as unicystic and peripheral ameloblastomas and the rare entity, adenoid ameloblastoma. These different subtypes present distinct clinical, radiographic and histopathological characteristics, which can pose challenges in diagnosis and management. The present case series (3 males, 2 females) documents multiple variants of ameloblastoma, including the rare entity adenoid ameloblastoma, which was treated with no signs of recurrence on periodic follow-up. The present case series thereby illustrates the diversity of presentations, as each variant exhibits different biological behaviour, surgical considerations and recurrence potential. The present series further emphasises the importance of integrating clinical and radiological findings with histopathological confirmation to establish an accurate diagnosis. The range of treatment options outlined in the literature spans from simple bone curettage to segmental resection with staged reconstruction, thus balancing the need to minimise surgical morbidity, while ensuring a low recurrence rate. The present case series reinforces the significance of comprehensive evaluation and highlights the need for curating individualised treatment strategies to optimise patient outcomes since both conservative and radical surgical approaches have variant-specific implications. Long-term follow-up remains indispensable to monitor for recurrence, which is a persistent concern regardless of the surgical modality.