Ameloblastic Carcinoma

Abstract

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is a rare aggressive malignant epithelial odontogenic tumor of the maxillofacial skeleton with a distinct predilection in the mandible. It may appear de novo or originate from a pre-existing ameloblastoma or odontogenic cyst. It exhibits cytological features of ameloblastoma and carcinoma. It may present as a cystic lesion with benign clinical features or as a large tissue mass with ulceration, significant bone resorption and tooth mobility. The clinical course of ameloblastic carcinoma is typically aggressive, with extensive local destruction. Direct extension of the tumour, lymph node involvement and metastasis to various sites has been reported. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice. Regional lymph node dissection should be considered and performed selectively. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have limited role in the treatment of ameloblastic carcinomas. Close periodic reassessment of the patient is mandatory.

A dinosaurian facial deformity and the first occurrence of ameloblastoma in the fossil record

“…The pathological condition recognised in the Telmatosaurus dentary is distinguished from ameloblastic fibroma by lack of the internal calcifications characteristic of the latter, and from ameloblastic carcinoma by absence of bone destruction 31 33 34 . The pathology in the dentary is clearly distinguished from dentrinous tumours, odontoma, enameloma, periapical cement dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, and renal osteodystrophy, which have increased, rather than decreased density on X-ray examination 28 33 .…”

Combined surgical and radiotherapy treatment of a mandibular ameloblastic carcinoma in a pony

“…There are differences of opinion about the best way to treat these tumours in man, but wide surgical excision with or without radiotherapy is most commonly used (Ram et al . ).…”

“…The bony swellings caused by ameloblastomas in man are also commonly painless (Ram et al . ). The reason for this lack of pain despite considerable bony destruction is unknown, but is potentially related to the slow growth of the tumour, in contrast to osteosarcomas which are frequently fast growing and often very painful.…”

Surgical treatment of a mandibular ameloblastic carcinoma with metastases to the mandibular lymph nodes in a pony

“…None of the previous reports demonstrated metastasis to the lymph nodes. In humans, ameloblastic carcinomas are aggressive, with extensive local destruction, lymph node involvement and typically have more widespread metastasis; treatment commonly consists of wide surgical excision with or without radiotherapy (Ram et al ).…”