Dentino: Jurnal Kedokteran Gigi
Vol 11, No 2 (2026)

Ameloblastoma of The Mandible: A Case Report of Diagnostic Discordance Across Sequential Pathological Evaluations

Gustian Pamungkas (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Airlangga)
Gatot Baydowi (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hajj General Hospital East Java Province, Surabaya)
Andra Rizqiawan (Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Airlangga University)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial odontogenic tumor with a high recurrence tendency, predominantly found in the mandible. Follicular ameloblastoma is the most common histopathological subtype of the ameloblastoma. Its complex histopathology can complicate diagnosis, particularly when limited biopsy sampling fails to represent the entire tumor. Objectives: This case report aims to highlight the importance of comprehensive histopathological evaluation of the resected specimen in establishing a definitive diagnosis of ameloblastoma. Case: A 35-year-old female presented with a painless, progressively enlarging right mandibular mass. Incisional biopsy indicated ossifying fibroma, while CT scan revealed a destructive, expansile lesion measuring 3.1x 3.3 x 5.23 cm inconsistent with a fibro-osseous lesion. Specimen review subsequently suggested mixed-type ameloblastoma. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive histopathological evaluation of the complete resected specimen, as limited biopsy sampling may not capture the predominant architectural pattern in histologically heterogeneous tumors such as ameloblastoma. Segmental resection with iliac crest bone graft reconstruction was selected to ensure adequate tumor removal and restore mandibular continuity. Managing Cases: Given this diagnostic complexity, segmental mandibulectomy with immediate iliac crest bone graft reconstruction and plate fixation was performed. Histopathological examination of the definitive resected specimen ultimately confirmed follicular-type ameloblastoma, with no evidence of malignancy. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that histopathological heterogeneity of ameloblastoma may lead to diagnostic discordance. Segmental mandibulectomy with immediate reconstruction served as both the definitive diagnostic and therapeutic solution for extensive mandibular involvement.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

dentino

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry

Description

Dentino [P-ISSN 2337-5310 | E-ISSN 2527-4937] is the journal contains research articles and review of the literature on dentistry which is managed by the Faculty of Dentistry, Lambung Mangkurat University. Dentino published twice a year, every March and ...