Ultrasonographic evaluation of mandibular ameloblastoma: a preliminary observation

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate ultrasonographic characteristics of mandibular ameloblastoma and assess the value of ultrasonography in diagnosis of the tumor.Study designNineteen subjects with ameloblastomas in the mandibles were examined with ultrasonography. Locations, sizes, internal echoes, boundaries, and blood flow of the tumors were observed and documented. Ultrasonographic appearances of the tumors were compared with histopathological findings. Sensitivity and specificity of Doppler flow signals for prediction of active tumor proliferations were calculated.ResultsThe main sonographic features of the tumor appeared as a complex cystic mass with solid contents. Most tumors (15/19, 79%) showed no or minimal flow signals on color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), whereas the remaining 4 lesions demonstrated abundant flow signals. The sensitivity and specificity of the Doppler flow signals for prediction of active tumor proliferations were 100% and 94%, respectively. The ultrasonographic appearances could be classified into 4 types: multilocular (10/19, 53%), honeycomb (4/19, 21%), unilocular (3/19, 16%), and local severe destructive (2/19, 10%).ConclusionUltrasonography can be used as an effective supplementary diagnostic method for mandibular ameloblastomas. CDFI of tumor vascularity could be used to predict active tumor proliferations.