Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma arising in the mandible: three case reports

Abstract

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is a rare mixed odontogenic tumor. Here, we describe three cases of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma. We present both conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT) images from two cases and conventional radiography from one case. Given the CT values of the tumor's radiopaque components, CT was very useful for the diagnosis of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma.

Diverse calcification patterns of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma on radiographic examination

“…However, similar calcification patterns have been observed in other odontogenic tumors involving calcified masses (6,(9)(10)(11)(12). Detailed studies on the calcification patterns of AFO are lacking (6,8). Therefore, it is important to evaluate the pattern of calcification in each lesion in order to reach a differential diagnosis.…”

“…There are some difficult to diagnose cases that do not have a radiopaque mass, but this is not important since the number is few. We believe that observing the calcification pattern in AFO on the CT will prove beneficial for its differential diagnosis (6,30).…”

“…Uchiyama et al (6) reported three cases of AFO with well-defined radiolucencies and some degree of radiopacity in the center of the lesions in the mandible, but no further details were provided in their study. The presence of calcification is not always clear in the lesion; however, most cases present with a well-defined radiolucency and some degree of radiopacity (7,29).…”

“…Several cases of AFO have been reported in the literature (3,6,8,10,11,(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) and it is known to frequently affect individuals below 16 years of age (1,8,20,21). One study has indicated that, when compared with ameloblastic fibroma, AFO more commonly affects individuals belonging to the younger age group; however, this claim can be refuted (19).…”

“…It has a varied radiographic appearance (5,6); multihued calcification is one of the characteristic findings in AFO, wherein, multiple opacities are seen at the center of the tumor (6)(7)(8). However, similar calcification patterns have been observed in other odontogenic tumors involving calcified masses (6,(9)(10)(11)(12). Detailed studies on the calcification patterns of AFO are lacking (6,8).…”