Ameloblastic carcinoma of jaw bones: Study of 31 cases from Nigeria

Abstract Introduction: Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant form of ameloblastoma accounting for 0.3–3.5% of all odontogenic tumours. Its management is controversial due to its rarity. This study assessed the pattern, management, and outcome of patients diagnosed with ameloblastic carcinoma at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Method: This was a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with ameloblastic carcinoma of the jaw bone at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria between January 2018 and October 2023. The data of interest collected included the age and sex of patients, duration of the lesion (from when the patient first noticed to the time diagnosis was established), site and side of the lesion, treatment, and recurrence on follow-up. Results: A total of 31 cases of ameloblastic carcinoma were seen during the study period. The patients’ ages at diagnosis ranged from 12 to 54 years, with a mean age of 30.58 (SEM = 2.01) years. There was almost an equal distribution of participants by sex (M: F= 1.1:1). The mandible was more affected (93.5%). Most (38.7%) cases involved the jaws bilaterally. The most frequent (50.0%) surgical procedure carried out was segmental resection of the mandible. Additional surgical procedures included reconstruction of the defect using a metal plate and selective neck dissection. Adjuvant radiotherapy 54.2% of patients while adjuvant chemotherapy was given to 12.5% of patients only. During the follow-up, none of the patients had a recurrence of the lesion. Conclusion: Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare odontogenic tumour that occurs more in the mandible than the maxilla. It occurs almost throughout all age groups however, those affecting the maxilla appear to occur at an older age group. The mainstay treatment involves resection of the affected jaws with a margin of safety. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may have a role in its treatment.