Ameloblastic Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report
ZD20-ZD23
Correspondence
Dr. Sowmya Vimala Nandika,
Postgraduate, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram-534202, Andhra Pradesh, India.
E-mail: sowmyavimala.nandika@vdc.edu.in
Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare, aggressive, malignant form of ameloblastoma with a low incidence rate, accounting for 0.3-3.5% of all odontogenic tumours of the jaws and has a poor prognosis. It exhibits a 5:1 mandibular predilection, with the lungs being the most common metastatic site. Clinically, these lesions behave more aggressively than conventional ameloblastomas. The most common sign is an asymptomatic swelling, with less frequent findings of pain, rapid growth, trismus and dysphonia. About 38% of cases may present without typical clinical symptoms or unique clinical presentations. The present case is a rare case report of 40-year-old male patient of ameloblastic carcinoma presenting with a unique clinical manifestation as osteomyelitis. Initially, the patient reported the presence of an unhealed extraction site, followed by gradual swelling with discharge and pain over the past 20 days. After the necessary diagnostic procedures, the case was diagnosed as ameloblastic carcinoma and referred to higher centres for treatment. The lack of typical clinical presentation makes the diagnosis of these cases difficult. To prevent morbidity and mortality associated with these aggressive cases, they must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.