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Ameloblastoma — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyAmeloblastomaNDEB AFK

A biopsy of a mandibular radiolucency in a 35-year-old shows ameloblast-like cells arranged in a follicular pattern with peripheral palisading and reverse polarisation of nuclei. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: EAmeloblastoma

The classic histological features of ameloblastoma include follicular and/or plexiform patterns. The follicular pattern shows islands of epithelial cells with peripheral columnar cells resembling ameloblasts with reverse nuclear polarisation (nuclei displaced away from the basement membrane) and central stellate reticulum-like areas. Per the WHO 2017 classification, ameloblastoma types include conventional, unicystic, and peripheral.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016; WHO – Classification of Head and Neck Tumours, 4th ed., 2017