Granular Ameloblastoma of Jaw: A Rare Histopathological Entity

Abstract

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin. Granular ameloblastoma is a rare subtype of ameloblastoma. In most of the cases, it is found admixed with other patterns of ameloblastoma. Pathogenesis of granular change in tumor cells seems to be age-related; however, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies showed that cytoplasmic granularity is caused by lysosomal overload. We report a case of granular ameloblastoma in mandible of a 45-year-old male. The unique microscopic features of granular ameloblastoma help in differential diagnosis from other odontogenic and non odontogenic tumors with granular cell component. Radical excision with adequate margin of uninvolved tissue is important as it has a high recurrence rate.

Keywords

• granular cell
• lysosomes
• odontogenic tumor
• recurrence