Histopathological crossover between unicystic ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst in 12-year-old: a case report with literature review.

Aim: Pediatric jaw lesions often present diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical and radiographic features.

Background: Among these, unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) are two distinct odontogenic entities with differing biological behaviors and recurrence risk. However, a few cases may exhibit histopathological features of both, complicating definitive diagnosis and management.

Case description: This paper presents a case of a 12-year-old boy with a mandibular lesion clinically suggestive of a dentigerous cyst based on clinical and radiographical analysis. However, histopathological evaluation of the enucleated cystic lesion revealed intraluminal unicystic ameloblastoma, with some areas showing features of odontogenic keratocyst.

Discussion: This unusual combination raises important diagnostic and therapeutic considerations, particularly in children where long-term outcomes and recurrence risk must be weighed carefully.

Conclusion: The case emphasizes the critical role of histopathological evaluation and clinicopathological correlation of such ambiguous lesions in the pediatric population as it helps to broaden the current understanding of odontogenic cystic lesions for appropriate treatment and outcome.