The mechanism: how dental resorptions occur in ameloblastoma

ABSTRACT Knife-edge or blunt root resorptions characterize ameloblastomas and are pathognomonic for this tumor, because they differentiate ameloblastomas from simple bone cysts, odontogenic keratocysts and nasopalatine duct cysts, which do not lead to resorption of involved teeth. Despite the very high frequency and importance of these characteristics for a differential diagnosis, a microscopic examination should also be conducted before defining the diagnosis and the treatment plan for these cases. This paper describes a six-step hypothesis to explain the mechanism by which ameloblastomas promote the characteristic root resorptions found in association with these benign epithelial tumors, which have a fibrous capsule formed by islands and epithelial cords that mimic the dental lamina, invade neighboring tissues and release mediators (IL-1, EGF) of tooth and root resorption. This hypothesis may be one more explanation for the tooth resorptions sometimes found in orthodontic records, and may help differentiate the root resorptions that are specific to the orthodontic practice.

RESUMO As reabsorções radiculares "em plano" ou "em corte" são características do ameloblastoma e foram consideradas patognomônicas dessa lesão, diferenciando-o do cisto ósseo simples, queratocisto odontogênico e do cisto nasopalatino - nos quais elas estão ausentes, nos dentes envolvidos. Apesar dessa frequência elevadíssima e importante no diagnóstico diferencial, não se pode dispensar o exame microscópico, para um diagnóstico definitivo, no planejamento terapêutico do caso. Elaborou-se uma hipótese com seis passos para explicar o mecanismo pelo qual o ameloblastoma promove essa típica reabsorção radicular peculiar da lesão: ser uma neoplasia epitelial benigna sem cápsula fibrosa, formada por ilhotas e cordões epiteliais que imitam a lâmina dentária e invadem os tecidos vizinhos, liberando mediadores (IL-1, EGF) da reabsorção óssea e dentária. Essa hipótese ajuda a explicar mais uma das causas de reabsorções dentárias que podem estar presentes nas análises das documentações ortodônticas, ajudando a diferenciar as reabsorções radiculares próprias da prática ortodôntica.

Clinical study of benign and malignant fibrous-osseous lesions of the jaws

INTRODUCTION: Fibrous-osseous lesions of the jaws are difficult to diagnose precisely until excised biopsy results are found, so they might be confused with malignant lesions. This clinical study focused on the diagnostic aids of lesions that demonstrate different clinical, radiologic, and histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 patients with benign fibrous-osseous lesions on the jaws (6 fibrous dysplasias, 6 ossifying fibromas, 3 cemental dysplasias, and one osteoblastoma) were reviewed. Nine patients with malignant fibrous-osseous lesions (8 osteosarcomas and one Ewing's sarcoma) were also retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Osteosarcoma patients complained of facial swelling and tooth mobility. The radiographic findings showed the irregular resorption of cortical bone and periosteal reactions. Histological features included cellular pleomorphism and atypical mitosis. An Ewing's sarcoma patient complained of tooth mobility and facial swelling. Onion-skin appearance and irregular expansile marginal bony radiolucency were seen in the radiography. Fibrous dysplasia patients complained of facial swelling and asymmetry. The radiographic features were mostly ground-glass radiopacity. Histological findings showed a bony trabeculae pattern surrounded by fibrous ground substances. Ossifying fibroma patients complained of buccal swelling and jaw pains, showing expanded cortical radiolucent lesions with a radiopaque margin. Histological findings were revealed as cellular fibrous stroma with immature woven bones. In cemental dysplasia, most of their lesions were found in a routine dental exam. Well-circumscribed radiopaque lesions were observed in the radiography, and cementum-like ossicles with fibrous stroma were seen in the microscopy. An osteoblastoma patient complained of jaw pain and facial swelling. Radiographic findings were mottled, dense radiopacity with osteolytic margin. Trabeculae of the osteoid with a vascular network and numerous osteoblasts with woven bone were predominantly found in the microscopy. CONCLUSION: Our study showed similar results as other studies. We suggest the clinical parameters of diagnosis and treatment for malignant and benign fibrous-osseous lesions of the jaws.