Ameloblastic carcinoma: an analysis of 14 cases.

OBJECTIVES

To present the classifications of malignant ameloblastomas, provide histopathologic guidelines for the diagnosis of ameloblastic carcinoma, and discuss treatment and long-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Fourteen archival specimens of ameloblastic carcinoma with detailed treatment and follow-up documentation were identified by the authors.

RESULTS

Traditional methods of microscopic observation form the basis for diagnosis. Histopathologic features of ameloblastic carcinoma include lack of differentiation, hypercellularity, high mitotic index, vascular invasion, and neural invasion.

CONCLUSION

The long-term follow-up findings in this study support the concept that aggressive surgical intervention provides the best chance for survival. Patients treated otherwise had recurrence. The patients with the highest number of recurrences did not survive the disease.