MALIGNANT AMELOBLASTOMAS FROM 1953 TO 1966 - REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND REPORT OF A CASE

1. 1. We have reviewed twenty-one cases of malignant ameloblastoma reported in the literature from 1953 to 1966, as well as one previously unreported case. 2. 2. With metastasis, histopathologic findings, aggressiveness, and mortality serving as criteria of malignancy, five of the twenty-two cases were considered to be proven examples of malignant ameloblastoma, twelve were considered possibly malignant cases, and the remaining five cases were of doubtful malignancy. 3. 3. Although the cases reviewed undoubtedly represent only a small number of the ameloblastomas ocurring from 1953 to 1966, they do indicate the following: 3.1. (a) A certain number of ameloblastomas metastasize and/or undergo malignant transformation histologically. These phenomena are seen very rarely. 3.2. (b) A certain number of ameloblastomas recur relentlessly, despite efforts to eliminate them, and may eventually cause the patient's death. They do not metastasize, and they show no recognized constant histologic variation. They may grow slowly and may recur after long periods. The percentage of these among the total number of ameloblastomas is probably somewhat higher than indicated by reports in the literature. © 1968.