Ameloblastic Carcinoma: a Diagnostic Impasse for Both Pathologist and Surgeon

Ameloblastoma is a common and easily diagnosed odontogenic tumor. When present with histologic atypia is crucial because transformation to ameloblastic carcinoma is potentially life-threatening. Ameloblastic carcinoma, the malignant counterpart of the ameloblastoma, a rare entity, is characterized histologically by malignant epithelium in the primary, recurrent, or metastatic deposit. It has a predilection for mandible and commonly metastasizing to the regional lymph nodes or lung. Most ameloblastic carcinomas according to literature reviewed, arise de novo, with few cases of malignant transformation of an ameloblastoma. In this paper we present three cases of ameloblastoma, of which one was ameloblastic carcinoma when diagnosed finally. Our aim is to substantiate the diagnostic challenge of this rare entity for both surgeons and pathologists.