Odontoameloblastoma. Clinico-pathologic study of three cases and critical review of the literature.

The odontoameloblastoma (OA), is an infrequent neoplasm. To date, there are less than 50 cases reported as OA or ameloblastic odontoma in the English dental literature, but only 14 (including three of our own material), fulfill the histological criteria of the current WHO histological classification of odontogenic tumours. Nine occurred in men and five in women (male to female ratio 1.8:1). Age ranged from 2 to 50 years (mean 20.2 years), and nine cases (64.2%) were diagnosed during the first two decades. Maxilla and mandible were equally involved, and most cases occurred posterior to the canines (71.4%). Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 8 years (mean: 25.5 months). Of the 12 cases with informed follow-up, two recurred once (at 24 and 18 months, respectively), and one case had two documented recurrences, at 6 and 49 months. Although OA tends to occur at an earlier age than conventional ameloblastoma, it has practically the same potential to produce bone expansion, root resorption and recurrence. For these reasons OA should be treated in a similar fashion, with wide surgical excision and close follow-up for at least 5 years.