Ameloblastic Fibro-Odontoma: A Case Report and an Alternative Approach to the Pathogenesis of Odontogenic Tumours

Abstract

Odontogenic tumours are neoplasms consisting of odontogenic epithelial and mesenchymal tissues seen in odontogenesis. Mixed odontogenic tumours are relatively rare. Their pathogenesis follow a parallel and very similar pathway to normal odontogenesis. Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is a mixedodontogenic tumour representing the stage of odontogenesis just before the fully developed tooth, consisting of ameloblasts, odontogenic mesenchyme, dentine, cementum and enamel.A case of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in the right maxillary premolar and molar region of a 5 year old male, is presented. A swelling and a fibrotic area was observed in the related toothless mucosa. Radiology revealed a multilobular mass inclosing the germinal permanent teeth and extending to the maxillary sinus. The mass was excised and examined histopathologically. Microscopical appearance showed odontogenic mesenchymal tissue with groups and strings of primitive odontogenic epithelium, differentiating to ameloblastic cells in some areas, and a primitive tooth-like structure consisting of enamel, dentine and cement tissues.KeywordsOdontogenic tumours, odontogenesis, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, ameloblastic cells