Desmoplastic ameloblastoma: A multicentric study of 18 case series with literature review

Abstract

Ameloblastoma is the second most common odontogenic tumour and the most common one to be reported histopathologically. The six histological variants of ameloblastoma are well established in the diagnosis of ameloblastoma, among which desmoplastic type still presents challenges to clinicians. In this multi-centric case series, we have complied with various clinical, radiological and histopathological parameters to better understand a unique variant from cases diagnosed between 1993 and 2023. The calculated mean age for desmoplastic ameloblastoma in the present case series was 55.5 years, with a higher female predilection and two-thirds of cases in the anterior mandible. Radiologically, Type I and II were the predominant presentation. Histopathologically, stromal hyalinization and osteoplasia were noted. The 61.1 % of cases were associated with another sub-type of ameloblastoma. The varied presentation has necessitated a rethink of using newer radiological techniques for early diagnosis, treatment planning and newly defined histopathological criteria for ‘Hybrid’ ameloblastoma.