Ameloblastic Fibroma
A benign mixed odontogenic tumour composed of proliferating odontogenic epithelium embedded in a cellular ectomesenchymal stroma, without the formation of dental hard tissue.
Full Definition
Ameloblastic fibroma is a true mixed odontogenic tumour in which both the epithelial and ectomesenchymal components are neoplastic. It typically presents in the posterior mandible of children and young adults, often associated with an unerupted tooth. Histologically, the stroma resembles the dental papilla, and the epithelial strands and nests resemble those of the enamel organ. Editors should note it is distinct from ameloblastic fibro-odontoma and from ameloblastoma. The WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours is the authoritative nosological reference.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, which additionally contains enamel and dentine. When both terms appear in the same report, ensure the correct histological qualifier is retained.
In Context
- "The surgical pathology report confirmed ameloblastic fibroma with a cellular stroma morphologically resembling the dental papilla." — Surgical pathology report
- "The editor queried whether the submitting author had confused ameloblastic fibroma with ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, as the text described calcified hard tissue deposits." — Manuscript peer-review correspondence