title: Malignant transformation of ameloblastic fibroma to ameloblastic fibrosarcoma: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma is a rare malignant odontogenic tumour and is regarded as the malignant counterpart of the ameloblastic fibroma. The epithelial component remains benign, but the mesenchymal component becomes malignant. The diagnosis is made by histopathology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The case of a 26-year-old man who underwent curettage of an ameloblastic fibroma and died of an ameloblastic fibrosarcoma is presented, and the course of malignant transformation is analysed retrospectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One-third of ameloblastic fibrosarcoma cases seem to have developed from recurrent ameloblastic fibromas. Knowledge of the malignant potential in the mesenchymal spindle cells of ameloblastic fibroma will assist in determining the management of these benign tumours, and may prevent malignant transformation to ameloblastic fibrosarcoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan. kobak@silver.plala.or.jp
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: Ryuichi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Murakami
authors.forename: Tohru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fujii
authors.forename: Akiyoshi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hirano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000473:pathology; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D009808:Odontogenic Tumors / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary