Clinical and Histopathological Spectrum of Ameloblastoma

Abstract

Introduction: Ameloblastoma is a rare neoplasm of odontogenic origin with estimated global incidence at 0.5 per million-person years. Tumor, although benign has the tendency to invade adjacent tissues. Regional variations in occurrence of various odontogenic tumors have been reported. With this experiential data, we aimed to identify the prevalent pattern for presentation of ameloblastoma in our population over 6 years of study period.

Patients and Methods: All biopsy specimens diagnosed as ameloblastoma at histopathology section of Dow Diagnostic Research and Reference Lab (DDRL), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS),during the study period (January 2010 – December 2015) were included in the study. The slides were reviewed along with the clinical information was recorded on specifically designed proforma.

Results: 42 cases of ameloblastoma diagnosed by histopathology department at DDRL (DUHS) during the entire study period. A wide age range (3 years to 80 years) was observed with mean age 32 years at presentation. Highest incidence was recorded in 20-40 years age group. A slight male preponderance was noted (57%). Majority of the cases were intraosseous (76%) amongst which mandible (87.5%) was the most frequent site.

Conclusion: Ameloblastoma is a rare neoplasm, a fact highlighted by our recording only 42 biopsied cases over a span of 6 years. Even though the tumor has a predilection for higher age group and males, we recorded cases in both extremes of age. Therefore, ameloblastoma should be considered in differential diagnosis of odontogenic tumors at both extremes of age.