Imaging of ameloblastomas: a pictorial review

OBJECTIVES: Ameloblastomas are the most common clinically significant odontogenic tumor constituting 18% of all odontogenic tumors. Ameloblastomas are a rare, benign, slow-growing but locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm involving the mandible and the maxilla. The aim of the present article was to review and depict the main radiological features of ameloblastomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of articles published between January 2000 and October 2020 using Medline and the MeSH term “ameloblastoma” in combination with the following terms “imaging” “radiology”, “panoramic radiograph”, and “computed tomography”, was performed. RESULTS: The most frequently adopted radiological imaging techniques for the study of ameloblastomas are panoramic radiograph, CBCT and computed tomography. On radiographs, CBCTs and CTs, ameloblastomas are radiolucent and either unilocular or multilocular. Panoramic radiography allows for a preliminary assessment of the location, size, shape, margins and extension of the lesions. It allows for a kind of “screening” X-ray examination and remains the first choice in the initial evaluation of tumors of the jaws CONCLUSIONS: Dental practitioners should be aware of the radiological features of ameloblastomas. CT and CBCT scans play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of such lesions, although panoramic radiograph still represents a valid imaging technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It may not be easy to differentiate between unilocular ameloblastomas from other odontogenic lesions. Histopathological findings are still necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis.