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Granular cell ameloblastoma with metastasis to the cervical vertebrae. Observations on the origin of the granular cells
Author(s) -
Hoke Harry F.,
Harrelson Austin B.
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(196706)20:6<991::aid-cncr2820200609>3.0.co;2-v
Subject(s) - medicine , granular cell , cervical vertebrae , ameloblastoma , pathology , metastasis , anatomy , cancer , maxilla , central nervous system
A case of ameloblastoma of the mandible showing granular cell change is reported. The tumor recurred numerous times with eventual metastasis to the cervical spine. The metastatic spine lesion also demonstrated the granular cell change. This represents the sixth case of metastasizing ameloblastoma found in the literature. The authors suggest that the granular cells of the ameloblastoma, the ameloblastic fibroma and the congenital epulis are derived from the ameloblasts. They theorize that the granular material may be an attempt by the ameloblastic cells to carry out the normal function of manufacturing material which in the correct environment may have led to the formation of enamel matrix. This is supported by the study of a congenital epulis, which is illustrated.