Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma - Report of two cases and review of the literature

This study reviews the literature and reports on the morphologic and immuno phenotypic features of 2 clear cell odontogenic carcinomas occurring in the mandible of elderly women, showing extensive infiltration into adjacent ti ssues. The tumor cells were large, with clear cytoplasm, and arranged in ir regular sheets. Some of the latter demonstrated a peripheral rim of cells w ith eosinophilic cytoplasm or included duct-like structures. There M,as no evidence of ameloblastic differentiation. Most cells contained glycogen gra nules and were immunoreactive for cytokeratins and epithelial membrane anti gen. In the differential diagnosis other clear cell odontogenic, salivary g land and metastatic tumors should be considered. Both cases were treated wi th surgical excision, and the patients are free of disease after 3 and 5 ye ars, respectively. In the literature, however; variable behavior of these t umors has been reported, including recurrence and metastases. It is recomme nded that terms such as clear cell ameloblastoma and clear cell odontogenic tumor not be used to describe such tumors.