[Ameloblastoma of the mandible: cytohistological parallels]

Ameloblastoma (also known as adamantinoma, adamantine epithelioma, adamantinoblastoma, and epithelial odontoma) is a benign tumor of ectodermal origin arising from odontogenic epithelium, most commonly in the lower molar region in individuals aged between 20 and 50 years. Several histological variants are recognized, the most common being the follicular type. The present communication demonstrates the desirability of conducting parallel cytological and histological studies in cases of jaw tumors. Results of one study are reported; the cytologic profile of the tumor enabled the authors to identify cell type and establish the odontogenic origin and benign nature of the tumor. Such studies are stated to be essential in developing criteria for cytologic diagnosis of odontogenic tumors.