Pulmonary metastasis of malignant ameloblastoma: case report and review

ABSTRACT Despite being a benign tumor of the maxillofacial region, some cases of ameloblastoma can be categorized as malignant ameloblastoma (or metastasizing) when metastases occur. The aim of this study is to report a rare case of lung metastasis from mandibular ameloblastoma, in order to review its risk and analyze the main anatomic sites that can occur with this disease. The case of a 48-year-old woman is described. She presented a metastatic pulmonary ameloblastoma 7 years after the removal of a mandibular ameloblastoma. During routine exams, a tumor in the left lung was observed. It was asymptomatic, near to the mediastinum, measured 7x5.5 cm. Transthoracic needle biopsy revealed ameloblastoma with the same histological characteristics of the primary tumor. After radiotherapy, the patient presented regression of the tumor. The patient has been under follow-up for 5 years and there is no presence of tumor. Ameloblastoma is an aggressive tumor not only in the region of origin, but also in distant regions, mainly in cases of recurrence. Metastases can cause high rates of morbidity, a fact that requires early treatment.