Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare odontogenic tumour that is aggressive with extensive local bone destruction. It retains the features of ameloblastic differentiation and also exhibits cytological features of malignancy. The characteristic histologic features and behaviour dictate a more radical surgical approach than does simple ameloblastoma. It occurs primarily in the posterior mandible in a wide range of age groups. It may arise de novo (primary type) or by malignant transformation of ameloblastoma (secondary type) with a distinction between carcinoma ex intraosseous ameloblastoma and carcinoma ex peripheral ameloblastoma. Histologically, it is characterized by areas with features of typical ameloblastoma and areas with anaplastic appearances. The purpose of this report is to present a case of ameloblastic carcinoma of the anterior mandible in a 55-year-old female patient with a clinical course of typical aggressiveness and extensive local destruction.
Keywords: ameloblastic carcinoma, odontogenic tumour, diagnostic engima, oral cavity tumour, malignancy