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Ameloblastoma of mucosal origin
1Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan.
Acta Pathologica Japonica
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Extraosseous ameloblastoma in an elderly woman shows gingival epithelium rete pegs transforming into tumor follicles. This suggests lifelong epithelial differentiation potential, potentially triggered by unknown stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Epithelial biology
Background:
- Reports histopathological, histochemical, and ultrastructural findings of an extraosseous ameloblastoma.
- Focuses on a rare case in an 89-year-old woman.
Observation:
- Gingival epithelium rete pegs extended into the lesion with direct continuity to tumor follicles.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed rete pegs transforming into double-stranded epithelial cords, then into tumor follicles.
- Tumor follicle ultrastructure resembled intraosseous ameloblastoma but differed from basal cell carcinoma.
Findings:
- Histochemical staining indicated keratin protein positivity in central tumor follicle cells and covering epithelium.
- Peripheral tumor follicle cells and elongated rete pegs were negative for keratin protein.
- Findings suggest basal cells of gingival epithelium retain differentiation potential throughout life.
Implications:
- The study implies that unknown stimuli can trigger epithelial differentiation in adult gingival basal cells.
- Provides insights into the pathogenesis of extraosseous ameloblastoma.
- Highlights the potential for odontogenic tumors to arise from persistent epithelial rests.