Desmoplastic variant of ameloblastoma: report of two cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The desmoplastic ameloblastoma exhibits important differences in anatomical distribution, histologic appearance and radiographic findings compared with the classic type of ameloblastoma. The purpose of this article is to assist the dental community in better understanding this variation in odontogenic tumor. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: The authors present two cases of desmoplastic variant of ameloblastoma localized in the anterior portion of the jaw. The tumors were expansile, destructive and painless. The radiographic findings showed diffuse, mixed (radiopaque/radiolucent) lesions with cortical bone destruction. Block excision was performed in both cases. Follow-up examination one and two years later disclosed no recurrence of tumor. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The desmoplastic variant of ameloblastoma tends to infiltrate between bone trabeculae. Curettage leaves islands of tumor within bone, which later manifest as recurrences. Therefore, block excision is the most widely used treatment to avoid recurrence.