Journal article
Epidemiology and Clinicopathologic Features with Prognostic Implications of Conventional Ameloblastoma: A 22-Year Retrospective Study
Head & neck pathology (Totowa, N.J.), Vol.20(1), 25
02/24/2026
DOI: 10.1007/s12105-026-01893-4
PMCID: PMC12932794
PMID: 41733832
Abstract
Background
Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic neoplasm of the jaws, characterized by locally aggressive behavior and high recurrence potential. Although its clinicopathologic features have been described in global populations, large-scale institutional data from the United States (U.S.) remain limited. This study aims to characterize the epidemiologic and clinicopathologic features of conventional ameloblastoma over a 22-year period and to identify factors associated with recurrence in cases submitted to a single U.S. academic surgical oral pathology laboratory.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted of 123 cases of conventional ameloblastoma submitted to the Surgical Oral Pathology Laboratory at the University of Iowa which receives specimens from various states in the U.S. Data included patient demographics, tumor site, radiographic findings, histologic subtypes, treatment modality, and follow-up information. Recurrence-free survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests, and predictors of recurrence were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards modeling.
Results
Among the 123 cases, the mean age was 51 years (range: 11-93), and 56.9% were male. Most tumors involved the mandible (91.9%). Of the 90 cases with available radiographic findings, 54.4% were unilocular, 37.8% multilocular, and 7.8% mixed radiolucent–radiopaque. The most common histologic subtype was follicular admixed with other subtypes (61.8%). Among 39 patients with treatment data, 23 (59.0%) underwent resection, 11 (28.2%) had enucleation and curettage, and 5 (12.8%) received enucleation with peripheral ostectomy. Follow-up information was available for 35 patients, of whom 15 (42.9%) experienced recurrence within 8-360 months. Recurrence-free survival differed significantly by treatment modality (p = 0.006), with resection associated with markedly improved outcomes compared with more conservative treatments (adjusted p = 0.028).
Conclusion
This study reinforces the importance of surgical treatment selection in the prognosis of conventional ameloblastoma and highlights the need for careful surgical planning to minimize recurrence. Additionally, mixed histopathologic subtypes within the tumor limited the prognostic value of histologic subclassification.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Epidemiology and Clinicopathologic Features with Prognostic Implications of Conventional Ameloblastoma: A 22-Year Retrospective Study
- Creators
- Kittiphoj Tikkhanarak - University of IowaNidhi Handoo - Iowa City, IA USAJohn Hellstein - University of IowaTamara Busch - University of IowaAline Petrin - University of IowaErliang Zeng - University of IowaHongli Sun - University of IowaMartine Dunnwald - University of IowaAzeez Butali - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Head & neck pathology (Totowa, N.J.), Vol.20(1), 25
- DOI
- 10.1007/s12105-026-01893-4
- PMID
- 41733832
- PMCID
- PMC12932794
- NLM abbreviation
- Head Neck Pathol
- ISSN
- 1936-055X
- eISSN
- 1936-0568
- Publisher
- Springer
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/24/2026
- Academic Unit
- Preventive and Community Dentistry; Orthodontics; Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine; Anatomy and Cell Biology; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Biostatistics; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Dental Research
- Record Identifier
- 9985139313902771
Metrics
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