Spindle-Cell Variant of Ameloblastic Carcinoma: A Report of 3 Cases and Demonstration of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Tumor Progression

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2019

Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

Author(s): Anne C. McLean-Holden, Justin A. Bishop, Harvey P. Kessler, Larry L. Myers, Alaaaldin M. Radwan, Tyler C. Wildey, John M. Wright, Yi-Shing Lisa Cheng

ABSTRACT

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare odontogenic neoplasm that demonstrates the histologic characteristics of ameloblastoma, accompanied by the cytologic features of malignancy. The spindle-cell variant of ameloblastic carcinoma (SCAC) is exceptionally rare, with a total of 10 cases having been reported in the literature to date. Histologically, a prominent sarcomatoid cell population is seen, which appears to originate from the epithelial (ameloblastic) component. Like conventional ameloblastic carcinoma, most cases of SCAC occur in individuals older than 40 years. Herein, three additional cases of SCAC are reported, two of which occurred in young people. Diagnostic criteria to aid in identification of SCAC are proposed. Finally, histologic and immunohistochemical evidence supporting the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in SCAC is presented.

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