Stereologic analysis of histologic parameters of a twice-recurrent ameloblastic fibroma

The behavior of the odontogenic tumors with time remains a subject of controversy. A case of ameloblastic fibroma with two recurrences is presented. It represents further evidence of the ability of the ameloblastic fibroma to recur, although recurrences may have resulted from incomplete initial removal. The volumetric density of the odontogenic epithelium (Vvoe) was evaluated stereologically for the initial tumor and for each recurrence. Analysis of the results shows that a maturation process, which was statistically significant, occurred between the initial tumor and the first recurrence but not between the first and second recurrences.