Keratoameloblastoma: Report of a rare variant with review of literature

Abstract

Ameloblastoma has intrigued clinicians as well as pathologists due to its diverse clinical behavior and
histomorphologic presentations. Keratoameloblastoma is a rare histologic sub type, characterized
by extensive keratin formation within ameloblastic epithelium, with only a handful number of cases
described in the literature. Here, we report a case of this uncommon sub type of ameloblastoma in
a young female patient presenting as an extensive lesion in mandibular ramus area. The radiological
and fi ne needle aspiration fi ndings suggested of a keratinizing cystic lesion and incisional biopsy
showed features of ameloblastoma. Patient underwent segmental mandibulectomy and histological
examination of excisional specimen revealed features of ameloblastoma with abundant keratinization
leading to a diagnosis of keratoameloblastoma. The diagnostic pitfalls related with the lesion have
been discussed along with a short review of the literature.
Key Words: Ameloblastoma, fi ne needle aspiration, keratoameloblastoma, odontogenic
keratocyst, papilliferous keratoameloblastoma