Unicystic Ameloblastoma Prognosis — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyUnicystic Ameloblastoma PrognosisMFDS Part 1

A unilocular jaw lesion associated with an unerupted tooth is histologically diagnosed as a unicystic ameloblastoma confined to the cyst lining, with no mural invasion. Compared with conventional ameloblastoma, which feature is most characteristic of this lesion?

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Correct answer: C — Lower recurrence risk after conservative surgery

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

A is correct. Unicystic ameloblastoma generally has a better prognosis and lower recurrence risk than conventional solid/multicystic ameloblastoma. A systematic review found pooled recurrence after conservative treatment of approximately 21% for unicystic lesions versus 41% for conventional lesions. Disease confined to the cyst lining without mural invasion is particularly amenable to conservative surgery, although prolonged follow-up remains necessary. Mural invasion increases recurrence risk and may justify more aggressive treatment. Greater cancellous-bone infiltration is characteristic of conventional ameloblastoma, making B incorrect. Unicystic ameloblastoma is an intraosseous lesion, excluding C. It commonly involves the mandible rather than showing a posterior-maxillary predilection, excluding D. Frequent syndromic association is not a defining feature, excluding E.

Reference: Hendra FN et al. Radical vs conservative treatment of intraosseous ameloblastoma: systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Diseases. 2019;25(7):1683–1696. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548549/