Ameloblastic sarcoma of the mandible.

Malignant ameloblastic odontogenic tumors have traditionally been classified as either ameloblastic fibrosarcomas, dentinosarcomas or odontosarcomas. This separation is based on the presence of either dentine or dentine and enamel in some lesions. To date, 28 cases of ameloblastic fibrosarcoma, one case of ameloblastic dentinosarcoma, and seven cases of ameloblastic odontosarcoma have been reported in the literature. An additional case of ameloblastic dentinosarcoma is reported in this paper together with a critical review of the clinicopathologic features of previously reported cases of malignant ameloblastic neoplasms. The presence of dental matrix material is not specific and is found in a wide variety of odontogenic tumors in variable amounts. This study supports the concept that the presence of dental matrix material does not alter the basic biologic characteristics of these neoplasms. Accordingly, to simplify a confusing nomenclature, we suggest that malignant tumors of this type be referred to collectively as ameloblastic sarcomas.