Malignant odontogenic tumors. A retrospective and collaborative study of seven cases.

The frequency, clinico-pathologic features and outcome of malignant odontogenic tumors diagnosed according to the current WHO classification in three pathology services in Mexico City are presented. There were seven cases (5 male and 2 female patients), which represent less than 4% of all odontogenic tumors diagnosed in these services. There were six odontogenic carcinomas (two malignant ameloblastomas, two clear cell odontogenic carcinomas, one primary intraosseous carcinoma and one carcinoma arising in an odontogenic cyst) and one ameloblastic fibrosarcoma. Age ranged from 25 to 72 years (mean: 43.8). Clear cell odontogenic carcinomas occurred in the canine-premolar region, one in the maxilla and one in the mandible (one ia a man and one in a woman), while the remaining lesions affected the posterior region of the mandible, with a male predominance (4:1), which agrees with previously reported cases. Surgical resection was the treatment employed in all carcinomas, while the ameloblastic fibrosarcoma was treated with chemotherapy due to its large extension, but without favorable response. The patient with primary intraosseous carcinoma had submaxillary and cervical metastases and the neoplasm was the cause of death. In spite of their extremely low frequency, malignant odontogenic tumors are an important cause of extensive surgical procedures in the oral and maxillofacial region.