ABSTRACT
Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare odontogenic neoplasm that demonstrates the histologic characteristics of ameloblastoma, accompanied by the cytologic features of malignancy. The spindle-cell variant of ameloblastic carcinoma (SCAC) is exceptionally rare, with a total of 10 cases having been reported in the literature to date. Histologically, a prominent sarcomatoid cell population appears to originate from the epithelial (ameloblastic) component. Like conventional ameloblastic carcinoma, most cases of SCAC occur in individuals older than 40 years of age. Here, 3 additional cases of SCAC are reported, 2 of which occurred in young individuals. Diagnostic criteria to aid in the identification of SCAC are proposed. Finally, histologic and immunohistochemical evidence supporting the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in SCAC is presented.
