Retrospective analysis of Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma: Clinical review

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma (DA) is a rare, true neoplasm of jaws with reported incidence of 4-13% among other variants of Ameloblastoma, however this appears distinct than the classic Ameloblastoma in anatomical distribution and clinical presentation. This is often mistaken as a fibro-osseous lesion because of its similar radiological appearance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To describe the clinical, radiographic and histopathological characteristics through a series of new cases of histologically proven DA including a case of an exceptionally large, recurrent lesion along with retrospective analysis of cases from literature available for an improved understanding of the behaviour and prognosis of DA. A total of 50 cases were analysed for the anatomical distribution, radiographic presentation and management. Out of the 50 cases, 47 cases were from the English literature reported from 2011 to 2019 and 3 were new cases. RESULTS: DA showed a slight male predilection (male: female=1.17:1) with a predominance in the fourth and fifth decade of life. Mandibular involvement (52%) was more commonly seen with a marked tendency for the anterior region. Radiographically, most of the lesions presented mixed radiopacity with radiolucency(80%) and root displacement was observed in only 70.27 % cases. Recurrence rate of 26 .47 % was observed. Cases treated with resection resulted in lesser recurrence as compared to those treated with enucleation and curettage. CONCLUSIONS: DA is distinguished by a peculiar display of clinicalopathological parameters. DA has tendency of local disposition and propensity of recurrence, which thus necessitates its aggressive management. It is not possible to conclude or report on the aggressive/recurrent nature and appropriate treatment modality for DA due to inadequate follow-up results. Key words:Desmoplastic ameloblastoma, mixed radiopaque – radiolucent, odontogenic tumors, recurrence, enucleation, curettage, resection.