Molecular characterization of metastasizing ameloblastoma: A comprehensive review.

Metastasizing ameloblastoma (MA) is a very rare odontogenic tumor with 2% of incidence rate. It exhibits benign histopathological features and malignant intrinsic quality in the form of metastasis which makes it a little more than a pathological curiosity. Various molecular aspects related with malignant behavior have been discussed. Because of this, it provides a diagnostic challenge for clinicians and surgeons. It is an elusive lesion which should be more researched and studied so that definitive diagnostic features can be put forward. The objective of this paper is to review the molecular aspect involved in the pathogenesis of MA which will aid in differentiating non-MA from MA and thus helping in providing proper treatment at an early stage.

Metastasis-associated fibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An illusion or a reality.

Fibroblasts at the pre-metastatic site exhibited characteristic trait for creation of metastatic milieu which aid in the formation of distant metastasis, and are called as metastasis associated fibroblasts (MAFs).Array of studies showed that MAF bears similar attributes as that of carcinoma associated fibroblasts present in primary tumor. MAFs showed expression of specific type of molecules and pathways to form required pre-metastatic microenvironment at the distant site. It will be important to unrevealed characteristics features in OSCC so as to help in implicating the new therapeutic strategies.

Clinicopathological characteristics of desmoplastic ameloblastoma: A systematic review.

The aim of the present review was to systematically present the clinicopathological data of desmoplastic ameloblastoma (DA) from articles published in the literature. A comprehensive search of the databases (PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) for published articles on DA was conducted. A total of 238 cases were identified and analyzed from 76 published papers. DA showed a slight male predilection (male: female=1.07:1) with a predominance in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Mandibular involvement (52.55%) was most commonly seen with a marked tendency for the anterior region (mandible: 40.9%, maxilla: 48.07%). The size of the lesion ranged from .5 cm to 20.4 cm, with the majority of cases measuring more than 3 cm in size (53.84%). Radiologically, most of the lesions presented mixed radiolucency and radiopacity (62%), and root resorption was observed in only seven cases. The majority of the lesions showed ill-defined margins upon radiographic examination (65.78%). Most of the cases were treated with resection (78.57%), and five of the 10 recurrent cases were treated by enucleation/curettage. DA is characterized by the unique presentation of clinicopathological parameters. It is not possible to comment on its aggressive/recurrent nature and best treatment modality due to inadequate follow-up data.

Merkel cell carcinoma - Beast with two Backs.

Merkel cell carcinoma of cutaneous and mucosal origin shows many differences like in origin, etiology, anatomical site, prognosis etc. This communication focuses briefly on the differences between mucosal MCC and cutaneous MCC.