Ameloblastic carcinoma: a multicenter Nigerian study.

PURPOSE

To obtain a national profile on the prevalence and management of ameloblastic carcinoma in Nigerians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from the case files of patients with a histologic diagnosis of ameloblastic carcinoma from 4 tertiary referral centers in Nigeria from January 1980 to December 2008.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were seen within the study period. There were 11 male and 9 female patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. Their ages ranged from 16 to 85 years (mean +/- SD, 41.63 +/- 19.8 years). The duration of the lesion before presentation was 6 months to 4 years. Twelve cases occurred in the posterior mandible alone, 1 case occurred in the anterior mandible alone, and 4 cases involved the anterior and posterior mandible. The posterior part of the maxilla was involved in 3 cases. A majority of the cases (17) occurred de novo, and 3 patients presented with carcinoma ex-ameloblastoma. Treatment included surgical resection with or without neck dissection. Eight patients declined treatment after diagnosis. Surgery was planned for 12 patients, but 2 patients died of intractable bleeding episodes before surgery. Mandibulectomies and maxillectomies were performed for 10 patients. Follow-up was carried out for 5 patients. Recurrence ranged from 6 to 96 months after the first surgery. Overall deaths recorded involved 6 patients. Three patients died within 3 years after the initial surgery and 1 patient died about 8 years after the initial surgery. One patient is still alive and well 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Ameloblastic carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy. Most cases occur in the mandible and arise de novo. Early diagnosis and radical local excision remain the mainstay of treatment.