Mucous cell differentiation in a unicystic ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma with mucous cells: A clinicopathological, BRAF mutation, and MAML2 rearrangement study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinicopathological features, BRAF V600E mutation, and MAML2 rearrangement of ameloblastoma with mucous cell differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five cases of ameloblastoma with mucous cell differentiation were retrospectively studied. Clinicopathological features, BRAF V600E mutation, and MAML2 rearrangement were analyzed. Follow-up information was available for all cases.

RESULTS

Of five cases, two cases were male and three were female, aged 18-55 years. Four cases were located in the mandible and one case in the maxilla. Histologically, four of the five cases (80%) presented with cystic features and three of the five cases (60%) with varying degrees of squamous metaplasia. The mucous cells were located in the epithelial islands or the luminal aspect of the cystic cavities. The BRAF V600E mutation was found in three of five cases (60%). All the cases showed no MAML2 rearrangement. Two cases were recurrent lesions, and one case had a local recurrence during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Ameloblastoma with mucous cell differentiation is closely related to the cystic features, squamous metaplasia, and shows a high prevalence of BRAF V600E mutation. The absence of MAML2 rearrangement reveals that ameloblastoma with mucous cell differentiation and central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) are two distinct tumor entities.