Ameloblastic carcinoma of maxilla

Abstract

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) of maxilla is a very rare malignancy of head and neck region with only fewer than 50 cases reported in English literature till now. The tumor cells resemble that of ameloblastoma but show atypia. It is of odontogenic origin and has varying clinical presentation due to the aggressive nature and various sites of origin. It has a high tendency to recur and metastasize. Early identification and complete excision of the tumor is indicated as the recurrence is associated with a very high mortality. Its rare occurrence has made it difficult to come to a consensus on management of the disease. Yet, surgery with or without radiotherapy has been advocated in most of the reported cases. We are reporting a case study of one such patient with AC of maxilla who was treated with excision with wide margins with postoperative radiotherapy.