Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: clinicopathologic and ultrastructural concepts

Two cases of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor have been presented, along with a review of the literature. One tumor had a rather typical presentation, occurring in a 12-year-old in association with an impacted canine tooth. Subsequent electron microscopic evaluation of this case provided corroboration of other recently published findings. In this case there was a striking accumulation of what could have been secretory granules at the pole of the cell nearest a "duct-like" space. This cell had ultrastructural characteristics in common with a preameloblast. The second case occurred in a more unusual situation, the patient being a 32-year-old man, with the AOT developing in the mandible between the roots of the canine and first premolar. Both patients were treated successfully by simple enucleation of the lesion.