Melanocytes in odontoameloblastoma. A case report.

A case of pigmented odontoameloblastoma occurring in the maxilla of an 11-year-old Japanese girl is reported. In addition to the characteristic histopathologic features of odontoameloblastoma, dendritic cells containing melanin pigment were widely distributed in the epithelial element of the ameloblastoma. Fine granules and coarse aggregates of melanin pigment were also distributed in the epithelial cells. The possible histogenesis of melanocytes in the odontogenic lesions was discussed, although no conclusion could be drawn from the present observation as to the origin of these cells in odontoameloblastoma.