Adenoid ameloblastoma: clinicopathologic description of five cases and systematic review of the current knowledge

ObjectiveTo describe the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of five cases of adenoid ameloblastoma.Study DesignClinicopathologic data were gathered from medical records and compared with those compiled from a systematic review. Slides were also immunohistochemically stained for Ki-67, p16, p53, and cytokeratins (7, 8, 14, 18, and 19).ResultsThere were 3 males (60%) and 2 (40%) females. The mean age was 44 ± 10 years. Of the five adenoid ameloblastomas, 4 (80%) occurred in the posterior maxilla. Patients typically complained of asymptomatic swelling. All patients received surgical resection as primary therapy; 1 (20%) patient also received adjuvant radiotherapy. Recurrence was diagnosed in all patients. Immunohistochemically, the tumors stained focally positive for CK7, 8, 14, and 18 and diffusely positive for CK-19, p16, and p53. The mean Ki-67–positive cells were 72.4 ± 24.9 positive cells per high-power field (range 53-111).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the largest series of adenoid ameloblastoma reported in the literature. Our data suggest that this entity demonstrates aggressive behavior characterized by a high likelihood of recurrence.