Slow Growth Mixed-Type Ameloblastoma of Anterior Mandible in a Middle-Age Patient

Abstract

Introduction: Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor, with an annual global incidence of 0,5 cases per 1.000.000 people. Histologically it can be follicular, plexiform, desmoplastic, and acanthomatous. Mixed-type ameloblatomas show a combination of these subtypes.

Case report: This report presents the case of a slow-growing mixed-type ameloblastoma in the left mandible of a 51-year-old male patient. Diagnosis was established based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological examinations. Segmental resection with adequate margins and AO plate reconstruction was performed. Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed mixed-type ameloblastoma with clear resection margins.

Discussion: In this case, the patient had a slow-growing mixed-type ameloblastoma of the mandible. From the histopathological examination shows a tumor mass consisting of hyperplastic odontogenic epithelial cells, grouped together to form a partially plexiform and partially acanthomatous structure which is particularly a rare characteristic of mixed-type ameloblastoma. In addition to the plexiform and acanthomatous structures, some of the cells were squamous differentiated with palisading nuclei at the edges, characterizing acanthomatous subtype of ameloblastoma.

Conclusion: There are only a few reports presenting ameloblastomas mixed-type especially involving the acanthomatous subtype, further research is needed on the factors that influence the occurrence of mixed-type ameloblastoma.

Keywords: Ameloblastoma, Mandible, Mixed-type ameloblastoma, Acanthomatous, Plexiform