title: Ameloblastic carcinoma of mandible: facts and dilemmas.
abstract: Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor and is considered as the malignant counterpart of ameloblastoma with features of both benign and malignant histology. It may arise de novo or from a long-standing ameloblastoma and is locally aggressive with a propensity for metastasis. With limited documentation, little is known about its pathobiogenesis, with no universal guidelines for management. For clinicians, differentiating ameloblastic carcinoma from ameloblastoma and malignant ameloblastoma in a patient presenting with a suspicious jaw tumor is a challenge due to overlapping clinical features, inconclusive cytology/biopsy reports, different management approaches and inadequate follow-up. Proper knowledge of the disease entity and a high index of suspicion are essential. Here we elaborate the dilemmas in diagnosis and management of ameloblastic carcinoma through presentation of a representative case in a 56-year-old man presenting with a tumor in the mandible.
authors.forename: Mainak
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dutta
authors.forename: Sohag
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kundu
authors.forename: Himel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bera
authors.forename: Sabyasachi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barik
authors.forename: Bhaskar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ghosh
mesh_terms: D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography