AMELOBLASTOMA OF THE MANDIBLE - DIAGNOSIS BY FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY

The fine needle aspiration cytologic findings of 3 cases of histologic ally proven ameloblastoma of the mandible are described. Tightly packe d clusters of basaloid epithelial cells with palisading are a characte ristic feature. Squamous differentiation was noted in all cases but wa s marked in one case seen as larger cells with central nucleus and abu ndant cytoplasm showing keratohyaline granules and whorls. A careful e xamination of the centrifuged sediment is important when fluid is aspi rated as it may reveal a few characteristic clusters enabling a cytodi agnosis when supplemented by radiologic findings.