Odontoameloblastoma: A report of a rare case

Odontoameloblastoma (OA) is an uncommon mixed odontogenic tumor that contains an ameloblastomatous component and odontoma-like elements, usually seen to occur in the mandible of younger patients. Radiographically, the tumor shows central destruction of bone with extension of cortical plates and calcified structures which have the radiopacity of tooth structure. These may resemble miniature teeth similar to a compound odontoma or occur as large masses of calcified material similar to a complex odontoma. We report a case of a 17-year-old male with a hard solitary, diffuse swelling over the right lower third of the face for 8 months. Histopathological sections of tumor mass showed diverse and characteristic features of ameloblastoma along with odontogenic epithelium proliferation in unrestrained manner so as to resemble developing tooth bud in stages of morphodifferentiation, apposition and calcification. A diagnosis of OA was made. Hemimandibulectomy was performed on the patient and he remains disease free till today.