Clinicopathological and Radiological Characteristics of Mandibular Ameloblastoma: A Prospective Study of 30 Cases

Background: Mandibular ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive odontogenic tumor which presents with various clinical and radiological manifestations. It is important to learn its clinicopathological appearance to manage it surgically in the best possible way and to get tumor free clear margin. Objectives: To assess the clinicopathological and radiological features of the mandibular ameloblastoma and compare the outcome of the surgical as well as postoperative results between various resection margin groups. Methods: This prospective experimental study included 30 patients with histopathologically confirmed mandibular ameloblastoma treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Patients were allocated into three groups of ten based on radiological tumor extent and planned resection margins of 0.5 cm, 1.0 cm, and 1.5 cm, respectively. Clinical data, radiographic findings, operative details, and histopathological outcomes were systematically recorded. Tumor extension patterns, tumor length, follow-up duration, margin status, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Statistical evaluation was performed using SPSS Version 16.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of patients were between 20 and 30 years of age (46.7%), with a male predominance (60%). Radiological evaluation showed that Group 3 exhibited the most extensive tumor spread, frequently involving the entire ramus. Mean tumor length did not differ significantly among groups (p = 0.105). Tumor-free margins were achieved in 28 cases, with margin involvement occurring only in Group 1. Segmental resection was the most common procedure. Postoperative complications included wound dehiscence (n=4), plate exposure (n=3), and plate fracture (n=2). No recurrence was observed during follow-up. Conclusion: Mandibular ameloblastoma reveals variable radiological extension patterns, with wider resection margins (≥1 cm) ensuring predictable tumor-free clearance. The overall post-operative consequences remained satisfactory, and no recurrence was detected during follow-up.