Clinical, Radiographic and Histopathological Analysis of Craniopharyngiomas and Ameloblastomas: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Craniopharyngiomas and ameloblastomas are tumors of epithelial origin, mostly characterized by a benign course, slow growth and for being locally invasive. Some studies highlight the similarity of these neoplasms, especially regarding histopathological aspects. In this context, the aim of the present study was to carry out a systematic literature review correlating the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological aspects of these two tumors.

Methods: Searches were conducted at the Pubmed, Periódicos Capes, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scielo databases, according to the following inclusion criteria: publications in English or Spanish, from the 2000s and 2021, comprising case report studies, case series and literature reviews.

Results: Considering clinical and radiographic aspects, it is evident that craniopharyngiomas and ameloblastomas exhibit few similarities. Histopathologically, however, adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas are the type of tumor that most resembles ameloblastomas, both concerning the formation of palisade epithelial cords and epithelial formations. Regarding to recurrences in cases of craniopharyngioma, it appears that a more radical surgical resection is more related to a lower recurrence rate for both craniopharyngiomas and ameloblastomas. As for the outcome, it was observed that craniopharyngiomas have a greater relationship with possible systemic disorders.

Conclusions: This histopathological similarity is related to their origin, since both craniopharyngiomas and ameloblastomas share a relationship with the oral cavity, either partially, as in the case of craniopharyngiomas, or totally, as in ameloblastomas, not comprising the same lesion in different locations. It is important to note that the differential morphogenetic evidence observed herein between these lesions opens up a new field of study aiming at better treatment alternatives in the future.

Keywords: Ameloblastoma; Craniopharyngioma; Neoplasm; Pathological conditions; Radiography.

Fig. 1

Study selection based on eligibility criteria

Fig. 2

A. Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma presenting an epithelium with peripheral palisading, nodular whorls, and microcystic areas termed reticulum stellate (HE/40X, objective lens); B. Papillary craniopharyngioma constituted by non-keratinizing squamous epithelium and containing loosely structured connective tissue (HE/40X, objective lens); C. Follicular ameloblastoma showing peripheral palisading of columnar cells with reverse polarity and central reticulum stellate pattern (HE/ 40x, objective lens); D. Plexiform ameloblastoma with anastomosing strands and cords of tumour cells (HE/40x, objective lens)