Macroscopic Evaluation of Semi‑Solid Cavity Contents in Ameloblastoma

Abstract

Background: Intraosseous ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumour with cystic cavitations which frequently contain tumour fluid and semi-solid materials. Clinical examination of ameloblastoma tumours by needle aspiration often turned out negative yields. There are claims that ameloblastoma could spill during surgery and contribute to tumour recurrence.

Aim: The objective of the study is the macroscopic identification and prevalence of types of semi‑solid cystic contents of ameloblastoma. 

Patients, Materials and Methods: This is a 10-year retrospective macroscopic evaluation of semi‑solid contents from cavities of excised  ameloblastoma. The subjects were consecutive patients treated at a tertiary hospital in Enugu.

Results: The cystic cavities of 22 excision  specimens were studied. Three types of semi-solid materials were observed alone or concurrently: clear or translucent gelatinous  material alone in 50.0% (11), gray–white cheesy material alone in 31.8% (7), concurrent gelatinous material with cheesy material or blood  clot in different compartments 13.6% (3), and blood clot alone in 4.6% (1). The hue (colour shade) distribution of the 14 gelatinous  materials(alone and concurrent) was brownish 78.6% (11), greenish 14.3% (2), and pinkish 7.1% (1). There was no significant association  between type of fluid aspirates at incisional biopsy and type of semi‑solid cavity content, or type of semi-solid cavity content with age,  recurrence, size, pain, or duration. Recurrent ameloblastoma was observed more with gelatinous materials though this was not  statistically significant (P = 0.68).

Conclusion: Clear: gelatinous, clots, and cheesy cystic contents could cause negative fluid aspirate yield  and constitute the spillable tumour materials during surgery or cortical perforation of ameloblastoma.