Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in children. Clinical aspects and review of the literature

The ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) is a rare mixed odontogenic tumor. Clinically AFO presents as a hamartoma or immature odontoma. The AFO is a well-encapsulated, painless, slow-growing and expanding tumor in young patients. Histologically, it has been classified as an ameloblastic fibroma or odontoma. Despite numerous efforts, there is still considerable confusion concerning the nature, the histology and the surgical therapy of this lesion. However, it can present with progressive growth causing bone destruction and significant deformity. The transformation of AFO in sarcoma is also known and extremely rare. Therefore a long term follow up is recommended. Enucleation still remains the gold standard. We are discussing our experience with AFO focused on children in clinical and surgical features and reviewing the relevant literature.