Malignant Odontogenic Tumors: A Clinicopathological Study of 53 Cases in Brazil.
Malignant odontogenic tumors are rare, with ameloblastic carcinoma being the most common subtype, found in 58.5% of cases. The majority of these tumors occur in the mandible, with a mean patient age of 41.4 years.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the mots-c corpusSummary and findings
This study investigated the clinicopathological features of malignant odontogenic tumors (MOTs) in Brazil, analyzing 53 cases collected from 2007 to 2025. The predominant tumor type was ameloblastic carcinoma, observed in 58.5% of cases, with a mean patient age of 41.4 years. The tumors were primarily located in the mandible (83%).
Abstract
<h4>Objectives</h4>This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of malignant odontogenic tumors (MOTs) and to provide a comprehensive characterization that enhances the current understanding of this disease group.<h4>Methods</h4>MOTs were retrieved from six Brazilian oral pathology services between 2007 and 2025. Demographic, clinical and radiographic data were collected from the charts, and the histological H&E-stained sections were revised by two blinded pathologists; previously available immunohistochemical and molecular findings were retrieved and reviewed in selected cases and the diagnosis was established according to the 2022 World Health Organization classification.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 53 malignant odontogenic tumors were identified, predominantly affecting the mandible (83%), with a slight male predominance (male-to-female ratio, 1.12:1) and a mean age of 41.4 years. Ameloblastic carcinoma was the most frequent subtype (58.5%), followed by clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (18.9%), ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (13.2%), primary intraosseous carcinoma (7.5%), and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (1.9%).<h4>Conclusions</h4>This multicenter review summarizes the main features of malignant odontogenic tumors. Although rare, these tumors often exhibit locally aggressive behavior, highlighting the need for early diagnosis, accurate histopathological evaluation, and standardized reporting with long-term follow-up.