Malignant odontogenic tumors: an update on selected tumors

Ameloblastic carcinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is the most common odontogenic malignancy, constituting approximately 30% of cases in this category. Literature is sparse on malignant odontogenic neoplasms, with a large proportion of current knowledge derived from case reports or small case series.

METHODS

A systematic review of case series/case reports of AC was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Statement guidelines. Demographic and clinical information, including duration of the lesion, location, clinical presentation and radiologic features, were analysed. Additionally, the origin of the lesion (primary/secondary), Ki-67 proliferation index, treatment performed, metastasis, tumour recurrence and prognosis were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 126 studies, including 285 individual cases of AC, were included in this review. Patients presented with a near-equal distribution of painless and painful swellings. ACs presented at a median age of 45 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. The mandible was most frequently involved, with rare cases extending to involve more than one region, including crossing the midline. Although most lesions presented with poorly-demarcated borders (52.6%), unilocular lesions with well-demarcated borders (47.4%) comprised a substantial number in the sample. The proliferation index was only reported in 27 cases, with a mean score of 42% and a wide range. The probability of tumour recurrence increased, and the survival probability decreased with prolonged follow-up duration.

CONCLUSION

This study provides more comprehensive, up-to-date descriptive data on these rare odontogenic malignancies, aiding clinicians and Pathologists with the diagnosis and surgeons in their management of cases.

Adenoid 'ameloblastoma': Clinicopathological description of 4 additional BRAF-negative cases

OBJECTIVE

Adenoid ameloblastoma (AA) is an epithelial odontogenic tumor that was recognized as a separate entity in the last odontogenic classification of WHO in 2022. The etiology is unknown, and the pathogenesis remains controversial. The objective of this study is to contribute the clinicopathological features of 4 additional BRAF-negative cases to the existing literature, aiming to enhance the molecular understanding of this unique tumor in the forthcoming classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study consists of a case series of four patients diagnosed with AA. The patients' demographic and clinical information were collected from the universities' medical achieves. Histopathologically, all cases were reexamined according to the latest update of the WHO odontogenic tumor classification. In addition to H&E and immunohistochemical stains, cytogenetics was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Well-defined unilocular radiolucent lesions were observed in all cases. Ameloblastoma-like components exhibited reserved nuclear polarity, suprabasal stellate reticulum-like epithelium, duct-like structure, whorls/morules, and cribriform architecture were common features. Variable immunoreactivity to CK7, CK19, CK14, p63, and p40 were determined, and proliferative activity was greater than 15%. The BRAF molecular study revealed no mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

When diagnosing AA, the essential histopathological characteristics must be rigorously applied, and a significant portion of the lesion should contain these features. Additionally, despite limited molecular data, since the BRAF mutation commonly observed in ameloblastomas is not present in the majority of AA cases, we propose changing the term "ameloblastoma" to "ameloblastic" and referring to it as "adenoid ameloblastic tumor" in the forthcoming classification.

Pediatric Odontogenic Tumors

Odontogenic tumors are rare tumors of the jaws that arise from remnants of the tooth forming apparatus. Some odontogenic tumors demonstrate strong predilection for pediatric patients including the unicystic ameloblastoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, ameloblastic fibroma, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, odontoma, and primordial odontogenic tumor. In this review, we discuss the clinical, radiographic, histopathologic, and molecular characteristics of select odontogenic tumors that demonstrate pediatric predilection and review management.

A Current Review of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models in Oral Cancer Diagnosis: Recent Technologies, Open Challenges, and Future Research Directions

Cancer is a problematic global health issue with an extremely high fatality rate throughout the world. The application of various machine learning techniques that have appeared in the field of cancer diagnosis in recent years has provided meaningful insights into efficient and precise treatment decision-making. Due to rapid advancements in sequencing technologies, the detection of cancer based on gene expression data has improved over the years. Different types of cancer affect different parts of the body in different ways. Cancer that affects the mouth, lip, and upper throat is known as oral cancer, which is the sixth most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. India, Bangladesh, China, the United States, and Pakistan are the top five countries with the highest rates of oral cavity disease and lip cancer. The major causes of oral cancer are excessive use of tobacco and cigarette smoking. Many people’s lives can be saved if oral cancer (OC) can be detected early. Early identification and diagnosis could assist doctors in providing better patient care and effective treatment. OC screening may advance with the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. AI can provide assistance to the oncology sector by accurately analyzing a large dataset from several imaging modalities. This review deals with the implementation of AI during the early stages of cancer for the proper detection and treatment of OC. Furthermore, performance evaluations of several DL and ML models have been carried out to show that the DL model can overcome the difficult challenges associated with early cancerous lesions in the mouth. For this review, we have followed the rules recommended for the extension of scoping reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA-ScR). Examining the reference lists for the chosen articles helped us gather more details on the subject. Additionally, we discussed AI’s drawbacks and its potential use in research on oral cancer. There are methods for reducing risk factors, such as reducing the use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as immunization against HPV infection to avoid oral cancer, or to lessen the burden of the disease. Additionally, officious methods for preventing oral diseases include training programs for doctors and patients as well as facilitating early diagnosis via screening high-risk populations for the disease.

Maxillary clear cell odontogenic carcinoma with EWSR1-ATF1 fusion gene mimicking sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma: A case report and literature review

Both clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) and sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma (SOC) are rare odontogenic malignancies. Here, we report a case of maxillary CCOC whose clinical and histologic features resembled those of SOC. Radiologically, the tumor presented as an ill-defined, expansile radiolucency with local bone destruction. Histologically, the tumor was comprised of thin cords or strands of odontogenic epithelium permeating through a sclerosed fibrous stroma with occasional clear cell foci. It damaged the cortical plates and invaded the adjacent soft tissue. Immunohistochemical expression of Pancytokeratin, Cytokeratin 19, p63, Cytokeratin 5/6, and Cytokeratin 14, as well as focal expression of Cytokeratin 7, demonstrated the epithelial nature of the tumor. Alcian Blue Periodic acid Schiff staining revealed a lack of intracellular mucin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed Ewing sarcoma RNA binding protein 1 and activating transcription factor 1 gene translocation, further confirming the diagnosis of CCOC. Lastly, we contextualized the genetic analysis of our case to that of CCOC in the literature.

Malignant odontogenic tumors. A report of a series of 30 cases and review of the literature

Malignant odontogenic tumors are rare entities and can arise de novo or from malignant transformation of pre-existing lesions. The aim of the present study was to report 30 cases of malignant odontogenic tumors diagnosed at a single diagnostic center over a 38-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All cases of malignant odontogenic tumors diagnosed between 1980 and 2018 were retrieved from the files of the School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires; their frequency and clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features were analyzed. The obtained data were compared with the information reported in the literature.

RESULTS

Malignant odontogenic tumors accounted for 2 % of odontogenic tumors and 0.05 % of all oral-maxillofacial diseases. Mean age was 43 years (8 to 87 years). No differences in sex distribution were observed. The most frequent location was the mandible, mostly the posterior mandibular body and the ramus. Odontogenic carcinomas were the most frequent tumors, and primary intraosseous carcinomas were the most common in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest case series of malignant odontogenic tumors diagnosed at a single center reported in the literature to date. Diagnosis of these tumors is challenging based on their rarity and complexity and relies on careful analysis of the histopathological, clinical, and radiographic features.

Odontogenic carcinosarcoma - A rare case report with review of literature

Odontogenic carcinosarcoma (OCS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor (OT) with only a few cases reported in the literature. Its synonyms are ameloblastic carcinosarcoma, malignant mixed OT. It is characterized by a true mixed tumor showing malignant cytology of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. The tumor invaded into adjacent tissues by destroying the bone. A 24-year-old patient visited the outpatient clinic of GITAM Dental College and Hospital, with a chief complaint of growth in the lower right back tooth region for 6 months. Based on clinical and radiographic features, it has been diagnosed as an aggressive central jaw lesion. The patient was further referred for histological examination for confirmatory diagnosis. It has been diagnosed as an adenomatoid OT. The OCS most commonly affects the posterior part of the mandible. A larger number of cases were reported recently, and prolonged follow-up is needed to further clarify the nature of OCS.

Malignant Odontogenic Tumours: A Systematic Review of Cases Reported in Literature

Background: Malignant odontogenic tumours (MOTs) arise either de novo from the tooth forming tissues, their developmental residues or from existing odontogenic epithelial or mesenchymal neoplasms in the jaws. Their management requires extensive surgery due to their infiltrative nature and risk of metastasis. There is a need to understand the clinical and pathological features of MOTs to inform both treatment algorithms and prognostication. This is an area of diagnostic pathology which presents substantial difficulties in diagnosis, compounded by inconsistent use of terminology. Thus, this systematic review aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features of MOTs with a view to consolidating the literature and defining problematic areas in diagnosis and classification. Methods: An electronic database search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and Embase. Additionally, the grey literature and reference lists of selected papers searched for completeness. Nine hundred and sixty articles were initially identified. Following removal of duplicates and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 312 articles were included for qualitative analysis. Results: The 312 articles encompassed a total of 507 patients with most lesions located within the mandible (74.3%). The most common first histological diagnosis was ameloblastic carcinoma (25.7% of all diagnoses), but there is considerable variation in how and when various diagnostic terms are used, and several misdiagnoses were reported. An initial benign diagnosis was made in 24.7% of patients, followed by a later malignant diagnosis and in this sub-group, the most common benign first diagnosis was ameloblastoma (42.4%). Cervical lymph nodes were the most common site of metastasis (9.3% of patients). With respect to distant metastasis (DM), the lungs were the most common organ affected (11.2% of DM patients) with metastasising ameloblastoma the most commonly reported tumour which metastasised to the lungs. Overall, 26.8% of patients developed recurrence. Conclusion: Overall, the quality of the literature on MOTs is poor. This review of the literature has highlighted variations in diagnostic terms and criteria which has resulted in areas of confusion with potential for misdiagnosis. This consolidation of primary data has identified key areas for targeted research including further discussion on the malignant potential of ameloblastoma.

A novel parotid carcinoma with a prominent ghost cell population: a masquerading tumor or "salivary ghost cell carcinoma"?

Ghost cell is one of several unique cellular morphologies associated with aberrant keratinization. We encountered a novel parotid tumor containing numerous ghost cells and herein describe its histological features and discuss diagnostic problems. The patient was a 90-year-old Japanese male, who complained of swelling of the left parotid area for four months. Positron emission tomography indicated no cervical lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. The tumor was successfully resected with no signs of recurrence or metastasis for six months after surgery. Histologically, the tumor was mainly composed of squamous cells forming irregularly shaped nests with a mixture of pleomorphic giant or multinucleated cells and bland basaloid cell. Keratinized areas were occupied by a prominent ghost cell population. Immunohistochemically, CK5/6 and CK19 were widely positive as well as AE1/AE3, p40 and p63. Nuclear expression of β-catenin was also observed. The present case can be regarded as a particular form of squamous cell carcinoma and is believed to contain a large number of ghost cells resulting from an unclear mechanism. However, it seems difficult to consider such tumors as a clinicopathologically independent entity at present. Applying a term such as "salivary ghost cell carcinoma" would be premature.

Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor in a Sumatran Rhinoceros

Simple Summary

A dentinogenic ghost cell tumor is an odontogenic ghost cell lesion of the maxilla and mandible. It is a rare tumor that has been described in humans. This work describes the clinical and pathological findings of an advanced stage of a dentinogenic ghost cell tumor, a type that has not previously been described in veterinary medicine. The advanced stage of this tumor led to the observation of aberrant keratinization, characterized by ghost cells and numerous islands of dentinoid formation. Diagnosis was made with the aid of routine histology, special histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and classification and features from human oncology as a reference.

Abstract

An adult female Sumatran rhinoceros was observed with a swelling in the left infraorbital region in March 2017. The swelling rapidly grew into a mass. A radiograph revealed a cystic radiolucent area in the left maxilla. In June 2017, the rhinoceros was euthanized. At necropsy, the infraorbital mass measured 21 cm × 30 cm. Samples of the infraorbital mass, left parotid gland, and left masseter muscle were collected for histopathology (Hematoxylin & Eosin, Von Kossa, Masson’s trichrome, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, EMA, p53, and S-100). Numerous neoplastic epithelial cells showing pleomorphism and infiltration were observed. Islands of dentinoid material containing ghost cells and keratin pearls were observed with the aid of the two special histochemistry stains. Mitotic figures were rarely observed. All the neoplastic odontogenic cells and keratin pearls showed an intense positive stain for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, while some keratin pearls showed mild positive stains for S-100. All samples were negative for p53 and S-100 immunodetection. The mass was diagnosed as a dentinogenic ghost cell tumor.

Clinico-pathological study of malignant odontogenic tumours from a national referral centre

BACKGROUND

Malignant odontogenic tumours are extremely rare tumours occurring within the jaws. Our study was performed to determine the demographic and clinico-pathological features of malignant odontogenic tumours amongst a multi-ethnic Asian population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of malignant odontogenic tumours diagnosed at the Institute for Medical Research, Malaysia, from 2009 to 2019. All cases were independently reviewed and reclassified following the criteria set out in the latest edition of the World Health Organization 2017 reference text. Demographic and clinico-pathological data were recorded for each case.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cases of malignant odontogenic tumours were identified. The patients' age ranged from 16 to 79 years with the mean age at diagnosis being 50.8 years (SD = 16.18). There was a male predominance (66.7%) in this cohort of patients. The ethnic distribution appeared to reflect the Malaysian population with most cases seen amongst the Malay ethnic group (66.7%). Ameloblastic carcinoma was the most frequently diagnosed malignant odontogenic tumour (45.8%) and was also predominantly seen in males (90.9%). All patients with clear cell odontogenic carcinoma were females. There was no obvious sex predilection in primary odontogenic carcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS). The mandible (79.2%) was more frequently involved compared to the maxilla.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis and management of malignant odontogenic tumours are challenging due to the rarity of these tumours. Our study has elucidated the clinico-pathological features of malignant odontogenic tumours seen in a multi-ethnic Asian population.

Analyses of odontogenic tumours: the most recent classification proposed by the World Health Organization (2017)

BACKGROUND

The fourth edition of the ''WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours'' was published in January 2017 and includes a classification of odontogenic tumours. This review aims to examine the changes made in this new classification in comparison with the previous classification of 2005.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases with the keywords "odontogenic tumor", "WHO classification" and "update". Studies published from January 2009 to April 2019 with a high level of scientific evidence were included, but studies not published in English, epidemiological studies and studies with a low level of evidence were excluded.

RESULTS

The initial search found 457 articles and after eliminating duplicates, 8 studies were selected for full-text assessment. After excluding 3 epidemiological studies, 5 articles were finally included. These studies were stratified by their level of scientific evidence using SORT criteria (Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy).

CONCLUSIONS

The new odontogenic tumour list has been simplified with the objective of improving its role as an international guide for diagnosis. Some changes have been possible thanks to the application of immunohistochemistry and molecular genetic techniques that allow better characterization of certain tumours. Further clinicopathological and molecular studies are needed so that this new classification can be consolidated and/or amended.

A multi-centre evaluation of malignant odontogenic tumours in Nigeria

Introduction

odontogenic tumors originate from neoplastic transformation of the remnants of tooth forming apparatus. There are varying degrees of inductive interactions between odontogenic ectomesenchyme and epithelium during odontogenesis, leading to lesions that vary from benign to malignant. Malignant odontogenic tumours (MOTs) are very rare and are classified according to embryonic tissue of origin. Recently, there has been a few changes to the classification of MOTs according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification in 2017. This study aims to evaluate and reclassify MOTs, using a multi-centre approach in some major tertiary dental hospitals in Nigeria.

Methods

this study reviewed the clinicopathological data on 63 cases of MOT diagnosed over 25 years in five major tertiary dental hospitals in Nigeria. All MOT cases were reclassified according to the recent revision to the 2017 WHO classification of odontogenic tumours.

Results

from a total of 10,446 biopsies of oral and jaw lesions seen at the 5 study centres over the 25-year study period, 2199 (21.05%) cases were found to be odontogenic tumours (OTs), of which 63 were MOT. MOTs constituted 0.60% of the total biopsy cases and 2.86% of OTs. Odontogenic carcinomas presented with a mean age higher than odontogenic sarcomas. According to our 2017 WHO reclassification of MOTs, odontogenic carcinomas, ameloblastic carcinomas and primary intraosseous carcinomas were found to be the top three lesions, respectively. Carcinosarcomas were found to be extremely rare.

Conclusion

using a multi-centre approach is a robust way to reduce diagnostic challenges associated with rare maxillofacial lesions such as MOTs.

Sclerosing Odontogenic Carcinoma with Local Recurrence: Case Report and Review of Literature

Sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma is a rare locally destructive neoplasm with many histologic mimics. Here the diagnostic challenges are presented of a case of sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma with variable histologic features, including unusual and unexpected negative immunostaining for CK19.

Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma: Occurrence of EWSR1-CREB1 as Alternative Fusion Gene to EWSR1-ATF1

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare, low-grade malignant epithelial neoplasm, occurring in the jawbones, mainly affecting the mandible of elderly patients. In addition to hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the salivary gland, it is one of the epithelial neoplasms known to harbor an EWSR1-ATF1 fusion. Therefore, a link between these tumors seems plausible. We describe six cases of CCOC showing EWSR1 rearrangements, with two cases being positive for the ATF1 partner gene using FISH analysis. In one case, an EWSR1-CREB1 fusion was identified using RT-PCR, which we report for the first time in this tumor type. The other three cases investigated by FISH were negative for ATF1, CREB1 and CREB3L2. In conclusion, our data show that EWSR1-CREB1 is an alternative fusion gene to EWSR1-ATF1 in CCOC.

Odontogenic tumors: where are we in 2017 ?

Odontogenic tumors are a heterogeneous group of lesions of diverse clinical behavior and histopathologic types, ranging from hamartomatous lesions to malignancy. Because odontogenic tumors arise from the tissues which make our teeth, they are unique to the jaws, and by extension almost unique to dentistry. Odontogenic tumors, as in normal odontogenesis, are capable of inductive interactions between odontogenic ectomesenchyme and epithelium, and the classification of odontogenic tumors is essentially based on this interaction. The last update of these tumors was published in early 2017. According to this classification, benign odontogenic tumors are classified as follows: Epithelial, mesenchymal (ectomesenchymal), or mixed depending on which component of the tooth germ gives rise to the neoplasm. Malignant odontogenic tumors are quite rare and named similarly according to whether the epithelial or mesenchymal or both components is malignant. The goal of this review is to discuss the updated changes to odontogenic tumors and to review the more common types with clinical and radiological illustrations.

Controversies in Odontogenic Tumours: Review

Odontogenic tumours are lesions that occur solely within the oral cavity and are so named because of their origin from the odontogenic (i.e. tooth-forming) apparatus. Odontogenic tumours comprise a variety of lesions ranging from non-neoplastic tissue proliferations to benign or malignant neoplasms. However, controversies exist regarding the pathogenesis, categorisation and clinical and histological variations of these tumours. The recent 2017 World Health Organization classification of odontogenic tumours included new entities such as primordial odontogenic tumours, sclerosing odontogenic carcinomas and odontogenic carcinosarcomas, while eliminating several previously included entities like keratocystic odontogenic tumours and calcifying cystic odonogenic tumours. The aim of the present review article was to discuss controversies and recent concepts regarding odontogenic tumours so as to increase understanding of these lesions.

Immunoexpression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 and their receptors, BMPR-IA and BMPR-II, in ameloblastomas and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors

OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 and of their receptors (BMPR-IA and BMPR-II) in solid ameloblastoma (SA), unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) in order to obtain a better understanding of their role in the development and biological behavior of these tumors.

DESIGN

This study analyzed these proteins in 30 cases of SA, 10 cases of UA, and 30 cases of AOT. Immunoexpression was evaluated in the parenchyma and stroma by attributing the following scores: 0, no stained cells; 1, ≤10%; 2, >10% and ≤25%; 3, >25% and ≤50%; 4, >50% and ≤75%.; 5, >75% stained cells.

RESULTS

In SAs, positive correlations were observed between the stromal and parenchymal expression of BMP-2 (p<0.001) and between the stromal expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 (p=0.020), as well as between the stromal expression of BMPR-II and BMP-4 (p=0.001) and the stromal and parenchymal expression of BMPR-II (p<0.001). In UAs, correlations were detected between the stromal and parenchymal expression of BMP-4 (p=0.035) and between the stromal expression of BMP-4 and BMPR-IA (p=0.022). In AOTs, analysis of immunoexpression in the parenchyma revealed positive correlations between all proteins.

CONCLUSION

BMPs and their receptors play an important role in the differentiation and development of ameloblastomas and AOTs, but may not explain the different biological behaviors of these lesions. The positive correlation observed in AOTs might be related to the formation of mineralized material in this tumor.

Sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma presenting on the hard palate of a 43-year-old female: a case report

We present a case of sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma (SOC) occurring on the hard palate of a 43-year-old female. The tumor presented as an asymptomatic firm swelling and histopathologically was characterized by widely dispersed nests and cords of bland cells infiltrating between hyalinized collagen fibers. Prominent perineural and intraneural invasion and erosion of bone was noted. The tumor cells showed staining with antibodies to pan-cytokeratin (PanCK), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), cytokeratin 14 (CK14), p63 and E-cadherin, but no staining with antibodies to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) or S100. Staining for mucin with alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff with diastase was equivocal, with no definite evidence of mucin or muciphages. An initial diagnosis of adenocarcinoma NOS was made upon incisional biopsy, with the prominent filing pattern and cytoplasmic vacuolization prompting consideration of metastatic breast cancer in the first instance. The true nature of the tumor became clear after staging investigations and surgical resection. The patient was treated by surgery alone and is disease-free after 17 months.