Odontogenic carcinomas: our experiences and literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic carcinoma is a rare type of malignancy in the head and neck region. Because of its rarity, the diagnosis and treatment is controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively reported our experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of odontogenic carcinomas. The literature was also reviewed to find out the current opinions and perspectives on the clinical management of odontogenic carcinomas. RESULTS: Our experience showed that odontogenic carcinomas demonstrate a wide range of clinical manifestations. Usually it is difficult to make differential diagnosis based on history, clinical examination and imaging. Even pathological diagnosis sometimes is not so distinct. Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma and ameloblastic carcinoma are the most frequently seen pathological types. Currently surgery is the main treatment of odontogenic carcinomas, whereas the role of chemotherapy and radiation is not well set up yet. Most of literatures are case reports. There is lack of exact data on the treatment outcome and prognosis of patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is no well-accepted guideline on the multidisciplinary treatment of odontogenic carcinoma. Multicenter studies on this rare malignancy are needed to provide clinicians more information in the clinical diagnosis and treatment.