Peripheral and mural ameloblastoma in the mandibular canine region of a 13-year-old boy

Abstract

Peripheral ameloblastoma (PA) is a relatively uncommon odontogenic tumor that is histologically identical to the classic intraosseous ameloblastoma but it occurs primarily in the soft tissues overlying the tooth-bearing regions of the jaws and does not exhibit the invasive and aggressive behavior of its intraosseous counterpart. 1 El-Mofty S Gerard N Farish S et al. Peripheral ameloblastoma: A clinical and histologic study of 11 cases. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1991; 48: 970 Abstract Full Text PDF Scopus (38) Google Scholar The origin of PA is thought to be from 1 of 2 sources: extraosseous remnants of the dental lamina 2 Wertheimer FW Stroud D Peripheral ameloblastoma in a papilloma with recurrence: Report of case. J Oral Surg. 1972; 30: 47 PubMed Google Scholar or the basal cell layer of the oral epithelium, which is believed to have an odontogenic potential. 3 Buchner A Scuibba JJ Peripheral epithelial odontogenic tumors: A review. Oral Surg. 1987; 63: 688 Abstract Full Text PDF Scopus (105) Google Scholar Conversely, intraosseous ameloblastoma may be derived from remnants of Hertwig's sheath, the lining epithelium of a dentigerous cyst, or from rests of odontogenic epithelium. 4 Stanley HR Diehl DL Ameloblastoma potential of follicular cyst. Oral Surg. 1965; 20: 260 Abstract Full Text PDF Scopus (40) Google Scholar