Clinicopathologic study on a rare variant of ameloblastoma with basal cell features

To investigate the clinical features, pathologic manifestations, and biologic behaviors of a variant of ameloblastoma with basal cell features (AM-BC).

Following retrospective review of the clinical and pathological data of six cases of AM-BC, we described their histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features and discussed the biologic behaviors, prognoses, pathogenesis, and clinical relevance of AM-BC. Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products was also performed in all cases.

The six cases of AM-BC involved four women and two men, aged 22-82 years. Four lesions occurred in the maxilla and two in the mandible. Histologically, the basal cells tended to be arranged as unequally sized follicles, strands, or cords of odontogenic epithelium in the connective tissue stroma. Little or no stellate reticulum was present in the central portion of the nest. Expression of CKs was consistent with other histological variants of ameloblastoma (AM), but AM-BC had significantly higher p53 and Ki-67 (p < 0.05) labeling indices than other histological variants of AM. Two patients had BRAF gene mutations.

Ameloblastoma with basal cell features is a very rare variant of AM. Our study showed the differences and relationships that exist between AM-BC and other variants of AM, which could enhance understanding of AM-BC.