Desmoplasic Ameloblastoma in Maxilla: Report of Case and Review of the Literature

Abstract

SUMMARY:The ameloblastoma is a benign neoplasm of epithelial odontogenic origin, slowly growing, locally invasive and it is the most common odontogenic tumor in the jaws. Histologically, various types have been described in literature. The desmoplastic variant is rare and characterized by difference in the typical findings of ameloblastoma, including localization, radiographic and histological features. The purpose of this article is to report a case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma in the left maxilla, and review of relevant literature, emphasizing peculiar aspects of this unusual lesion.

Desmoplastic Ameloblastoma of the Mandible

“…Frequently, the tumor is asymptomatic, the tumefaction is painless and expansion of the involved bone is the commonly observed clinical manifestations. 14 In a review of 115 cases of desmoplastic ameloblastomas, the commonly observed radiographic features were mixed radiolucent/radiopaque (56%), multilocular (49%), and with ill-defined borders (64%). 12 In the present case, multolocular radiolucency was observed in the mandibular anterior region.…”

“…The peripheral layer of the cells is usually cuboidal and occasionally hyperchromatic. 14 The morphologic characteristics typical of multicystic ameloblastomas such as the polarity inversion and typical palisade pattern are not observed frequently. The central portion of the tumoral islands resembling stellate reticulum is occasionally encountered.…”

“…Due to the lack of capsule and precise limits, a radical treatment is recommended for most of the desmoplastic ameloblastoma cases. 14 However, because of the limited understanding on the biological and prognostic behavior, the therapeutical approach strategy is still not completely clear. In the present case, no recurrence was observed in two years of follow up period.…”