An Audit of the Histopathological Pattern of Ameloblastoma in Kano, Nigeria

Objective: To describe the spectrum, frequency, age and sex distribution of ameloblastomas seen in Kano, as well as compare the findings with  previous studies done in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world. Materials and Methods: This was a 5 year retrospective study from 2nd January, 2010 to 31st December, 2014 of all ameloblastomas diagnosed at the pathology department of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Results: Sixty four cases of ameloblastomas were diagnosed during the five year study period with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The ages ranged from 16 to 75 years (mean age of 33.4) and relative peak age of incidence occurred in the 40 - 49 years group. Solid/Multicystic type accounted for majority (57 cases, 89.1%) of ameloblastomas followed by unicystic variant (5 cases,7.8%), while the desmoplastic and peripheral variants  comprising the remaining 2 cases (3.1%). The mandible was the commonest site of involvement accounting for 57cases(89.1%), while maxilla and alveolar mucosa accounted for 6 cases (9.4%) and 1case (1.6%) respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that ameloblastoma has significant male predilection and affecting predominantly patients in the third to fifth  decades. It revealed a higher incidence of solid/multicystic ameloblastomas over unicystic variants. The demographic and histological features are similar to reports from other parts of Nigeria and elsewhere.