Ameloblastoma of the Maxilla with Distant Metastases and Hypercalcemia

Abstract

A case of metastatic ameloblastoma of the maxilla with secondary hypercalcemia in a 54-year-old man is presented. After treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the patient was found to have multiple metastases and severe hypercalcemia associated with high levels of parathormone-like substance in the peripheral blood. At autopsy he was found to have widespread metastases and nephrocalcinosis.

Ameloblastoma of the maxilla. Case report

“…1,3,10 Ameloblastomas rarely metastasize. 11 This type of ameloblastoma according to the World Health Organization classification is defined as a malignant ameloblastoma although ameloblastic carcinoma may exist according to other workers. 12 The most common sites of metastases are the lungs followed by regional lymph nodes, pleura, vertebrae, skull, diaphragm, liver, parotid and small i n t e s t i n e .…”

Recurrent ameloblastoma of the mandible

“…Metastases are uncommon but have been reported after several local recurrences (Madiedo G, et al, 1981). This patient's history is typical in that he had several local excision followed by a radical enbloc resection several years after the original diagnosis.…”

Ameloblastic Carcinoma

“…Multiple local recurrences, repeated surgical procedures, and radiotherapy or chemotherapy frequently precede metastases from ameloblastoma [27]. Dissemination may result from increased malignant behaviour, stimulated by multiple recurrences or that the repeated surgical procedures required for the treatment of these recurrences, causes implantation of tumor cells into blood vessels or lymphatic channels.…”