Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which radiographic appearance is NOT associated with ameloblastomas?

1. Soap bubble pattern

2. Mixed radiolucent-radiopaque

3. Hollow outer contours

4. Ground-glass appearance

The correct answer is: Ground-glass appearance

Ameloblastomas typically present with well-defined radiographic features that reflect their benign yet locally aggressive nature. The soap bubble pattern, which is characterized by multiple loculated radiolucencies, is commonly associated with these tumors, giving insight into the multilocular aspect of the lesion. Mixed radiolucent-radiopaque appearances can occur when there is calcification within the tumor or when the lesion impacts surrounding bony structures, which can happen as the tumor grows. Hollow outer contours demonstrate the well-defined margins that ameloblastomas often exhibit. In contrast, the ground-glass appearance is generally associated with fibrous dysplasia, a condition not related to ameloblastomas. This ground-glass texture arises from the woven bone structure in fibrous dysplasia rather than the more well-defined characteristics of ameloblastomatous lesions. This distinction reinforces the unique radiographic features specific to ameloblastomas and underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis in oral pathology.