Cone beam computed tomography signs of desmoplastic ameloblastoma: review of 7 cases

Objective This study aimed to evaluate and summarize the radiographic features of desmoplastic ameloblastoma (DA) on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and to provide necessary further information for clinical diagnosis and preoperative assessment. Study Design Seven cases with pathologic diagnosis of DA were studied retrospectively. A CBCT scan of each individual was analyzed and compared with its corresponding plain (panoramic) radiograph. Results We found that 71.4% of lesions were located in the anterior or premolar regions (or both) and showed root displacement. With the advent of CBCT imaging, most DA lesions (57.1%) were perceived as having honeycomb appearance totally or dominantly. Distinctively, all the lesions presented cortical expansion with perforation in the buccal/labial side. Conclusions The typical intralesional structure with honeycomb appearance and the dominant buccal/labial cortical expansion with perforation could be proposed as the characteristic features of DA on CBCT images. CBCT can provide more information for preoperative radiologic assessment of DA compared with panoramic radiography.