BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin that has received considerable attention due to its frequency, clinical subtypes and high tendency to infiltrate and recur. OBJECTIVE: To perform a retrospective study of cases histopathologically diagnosed of ameloblastoma at the Pathological Anatomy Department of APUH/UFF-RJ from 1997 to 2007. Material and methods: We selected cases of ameloblastoma corresponding to the period of this research. Data such as age, gender, race, location of lesion, radiographic features, type of biopsy, clinical diagnosis, and histopathological diagnosis were compiled from patients' records. RESULTS:After the investigation and review of slides for confirmation of the diagnosis of ameloblastoma, the sample comprised 23 cases. Most patients with ameloblastoma were male, Caucasian and age range 10-30. All lesions were in the mandible, mainly in the posterior region. The multilocular radiographic types were predominant, and histopathologically, multicystic type, whereas the follicular and hybrid ones were more frequent. There were no cases of desmoplastic and basal cells ameloblastoma. CONCLUSIONS:The frequency of ameloblastoma varies according to geographic analyzed region, and retrospective studies can contribute to identify groups and possible factors associated with its development.
Ameloblastoma; Odontogenic tumors; Jaw tumours
