Ameloblastoma of the mandible: diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration cytology.

The fine needle aspiration cytologic findings of 3 cases of histologically proven ameloblastoma of the mandible are described. Tightly packed clusters of basaloid epithelial cells with palisading are a characteristic feature. Squamous differentiation was noted in all cases but was marked in one case seen as larger cells with central nucleus and abundant cytoplasm showing keratohyaline granules and whorls. A careful examination of the centrifuged sediment is important when fluid is aspirated as it may reveal a few characteristic clusters enabling a cytodiagnosis when supplemented by radiologic findings.