Among them, ameloblastoma is well recognized as a benign yet locally aggressive neoplasm predominantly affecting the mandible.
Although ameloblastomas typically demonstrate indolent behavior with high rates of local recurrence, their malignant transformation—termed carcinoma ex ameloblastoma (CEA)—is an exceptionally rare and clinically challenging event.
Carcinoma ex ameloblastoma represents a malignant transformation arising from a pre-existing benign ameloblastoma or its recurrence, exhibiting both epithelial ameloblastomatous features and overt malignant cytologic characteristics.
This entity is distinguished from conventional ameloblastic carcinoma by its derivation from a long-standing lesion and may be associated with a more aggressive clinical course.
The mandible is the most common anatomic site for ameloblastoma and its malignant counterparts due to its odontogenic epithelial reservoir.
Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, or rapid expansion; radiographically, these lesions can demonstrate destructive bone patterns that challenge definitive diagnosis without histopathological confirmation.
The rarity of carcinoma ex ameloblastoma and its overlapping features with other odontogenic carcinomas underscore the importance of comprehensive evaluation and interdisciplinary management.
In this rare case report, a young patient with mandibular carcinoma ex ameloblastoma is presented, highlighting diagnostic hurdles, surgical considerations, and the paramount role of histopathology in distinguishing malignant transformation from benign ameloblastomatous growth.
Such case documentation expands the collective understanding of odontogenic malignancies and contributes to more informed clinical decision-making for similar future presentations.
👉 For a detailed review of clinical findings, imaging, histopathological analysis, and management strategies presented in this case, we invite you to access and download the full article in PDF format.
