Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: metastasising ameloblastoma: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: metastasising ameloblastoma

Sample item

A man treated for a mandibular ameloblastoma develops lung nodules 8 years later. Both the primary lesion and the lung deposits show bland ameloblastoma histology without atypia. What is this entity called?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Metastasising ameloblastoma

In metastasising (malignant) ameloblastoma, the primary and the metastasis both have benign histology. In ameloblastic carcinoma the tumour shows cytological atypia with the architecture of ameloblastoma. Lung is the commonest site of spread, probably by aspiration or blood.

Option by option

  • A. Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma

    Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma has a malignant mesenchymal component.

  • B. Metastasising ameloblastoma (correct)

    Correct. Benign histology in both primary and metastases defines it.

  • C. Primary intraosseous carcinoma

    Primary intraosseous carcinoma is a squamous carcinoma arising within the jaw.

  • D. Ameloblastic carcinoma

    Ameloblastic carcinoma shows cytological atypia, mitoses and malignant features.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Metastasising ameloblastoma. In metastasising (malignant) ameloblastoma, the primary and the metastasis both have benign histology.

Why is "Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma" not the answer?

Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma has a malignant mesenchymal component.

Why is "Primary intraosseous carcinoma" not the answer?

Primary intraosseous carcinoma is a squamous carcinoma arising within the jaw.

Why is "Ameloblastic carcinoma" not the answer?

Ameloblastic carcinoma shows cytological atypia, mitoses and malignant features.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: metastasising ameloblastoma in Dentistry. In ameloblastic carcinoma the tumour shows cytological atypia with the architecture of ameloblastoma. Lung is the commonest site of spread, probably by aspiration or blood.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: metastasising ameloblastoma?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.