Granular cell ameloblastoma of jaw – Report of a case with an emphasis on its characterization

S Taneeru,J Madala,S Yeluri,Vr Guttikonda

doi:10.4317/jced.51015

Abstract

Ameloblastoma is a neoplasm of odontogenic epithelium, especially of enamel organ-type tissue that has not undergone differentiation to the point of hard tissue formation. It accounts for approximately 10% of all tumors originating from gnathic bones. It exhibits diverse microscopic patterns which occurs either singly or in combination with other patterns. Granular cell ameloblastoma is a rare condition, accounting for 3.5% of all ameloblastoma cases that shows marked transformation in the cytoplasm of tumor cells, which are usually stellate reticulum like cells. The transformed cells possess very coarse, granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. The “granular change” is thought to be due to a dysfunctional status of neoplastic cells, and the pathogenesis of this tumour seems to be age-related. Ultrastructural, histochemical, and immunohitochemical studies have revealed that cytoplasmic granularity is caused by overload; however the mechanism ivolved remains poorly understood. This article describes a case of granular cell variant of ameloblastoma affecting a 55-year old female. Key words:Ameloblastoma, granular cell, odontogenic tumor.

Highlights

Odontogenic tumors (OT) are a group of heterogenous lesions derived from epithelial and/or mesenchymal elements that are part of the tooth-forming apparatus (1)
It has been postulated that the epithelium of origin is derived from one of the following sources: 1- Cell rests of enamel organ. 2- Epithelium of odontogenic cysts. 3- Disturbances of developing organ. 4- Basal cells of surface epithelium. 5- Heterotrophic epithelium in other parts of body (4)
The purpose of this article is to present a case of unusual variant of ameloblastoma and highlighting its unique microscopic features that allow its distinction from other jaw tumors with a granular cell consistency

Summary

Introduction

Odontogenic tumors (OT) are a group of heterogenous lesions derived from epithelial and/or mesenchymal elements that are part of the tooth-forming apparatus (1). Ameloblastoma is well recognized as a locally invasive benign neoplasm thought to arise from the cellular components of the enamel organ (2) It is an epithelial odontogenic tumor of jaw and exhibits diverse microscopic patterns which occurs either singly or in combination with other patterns (3). It was first described by Broca in 1868 and constitutes 1% to 2% of all cysts and tumors of the jaws (5) It is prevalent in the 4th decade of life, but is seen in the age range from 6 months to 76 years (3). The purpose of this article is to present a case of unusual variant of ameloblastoma and highlighting its unique microscopic features that allow its distinction from other jaw tumors with a granular cell consistency.

Discussion

Findings

Conclusion