Ameloblastic Carcinoma.

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Surgical oncology
• Odontogenic neoplasms

Background:

• Ameloblastic carcinoma, secondary type, is a rare, aggressive odontogenic neoplasm.
• It typically arises from de-differentiation of pre-existing ameloblastoma or odontogenic cysts after repeated treatments.
• Malignant transformation from an untreated benign lesion is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 66-year-old man presented with a newly diagnosed ameloblastic carcinoma.
• The patient underwent hemimandibulectomy, supraomohyoid neck dissection, and free-flap reconstruction.
• Histologic analysis confirmed de-differentiation, leading to a diagnosis of intraosseous ameloblastic carcinoma, secondary type.

Findings:

• The case presented features of carcinomatous de-differentiation from an earlier, untreated benign lesion.
• This represents a rare occurrence of secondary ameloblastic carcinoma development.
• Histologic analysis confirmed the de-differentiated intraosseous nature of the tumor.

Implications:

• Ameloblastic carcinoma, secondary type, poses a diagnostic challenge.
• Radical surgical resection with wide margins is essential for curative treatment.
• This case highlights the importance of recognizing malignant potential even in initially untreated benign odontogenic lesions.