Transmission electron microscopy of ameloblastoma: A study on six cases

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a rare, benign tumor of odontogenic epithelium, but with an aggressive clinical behavior. AIM: The present study aims to assess the ultramicroscopic features of the epithelial and connective tissue components of ameloblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cases of ameloblastoma were subjected to electron microscopy. They included three cases of follicular type and three cases of plexiform type. RESULTS: The study reveals that the ameloblastoma contains the full complement of cells normally found during odontogenesis. However, these cells resemble the enamel organ in an undifferentiated stage. CONCLUSION: Ultramicroscopy revealed the presence of different cell types among follicular type. The morphology of plexiform variants and correlation with odontogenesis could be elicited. The electron microscopic differences between follicular and plexiform types could help us in better understanding its pathogenesis.