Ameloblastomatous transformation in dentigerous cyst: A case report

Mandibular swellings can be caused by a number of benign lesions, which can be of odontogenic or nonodontogenic origin. Lesions include ameloblastoma, radicular cyst, dentigerous cyst, keratocystic odontogenic tumor, central giant cell granuloma, fibro-osseous lesion, and osteoma.1The most common developmental cyst in oral cavity is dentigerous cyst, which accounts for 20% of the developmental cysts of jaws and originates because of accumulation of fluid between reduced enamel epithelium and the tooth crown. Hence, it usually is associated with impacted or unerupted tooth.2 Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive odontogenic neoplasm accounting for approximately 10% of all the neoplasms arising in jaws.3 Unicystic tumors include those that have been variously referred to as mural ameloblastomas, luminal ameloblastomas, and ameloblastomas arising in dentigerous cysts. The goal of treatment for ameloblastoma is to achieve complete excision and appropriate reconstruction.We present a case of a large dentigerous cyst transforming into an ameloblastoma.