Abstract
There is still controversy as to the clinical findings and behavior of ameloblastic fibroma (AF). To clarify the exact biological profile, we critically re-evaluated the clinical characteristics of 31 cases of AF through a review of the Japanese literature. AF can be divided clinically into two distinct types: neoplastic AF (24 cases) and pericoronal hamartomatous AF (7 cases). The former appears as an expansive multilocular radiolucent lesion within the posterior mandible in the second decade. A recurrence rate of 13% was estimated. Its tendency to recur and to develop at ages beyond completion of odontogenesis clearly denotes a neoplastic nature. On the other hand, the latter appears as an asymptomatic small unilocular radiolucency over the occlusal surface of an unerupted mandibular molar primarily in the first decade. Neither persistent growth nor recurrence was observed. There is no proof that pericoronal AF sequentially progresses into a neoplastic AF. However, since two lesions are histologically indistinguishable, clinical findings have to be considered initially in a management plan of AF.
