Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) originating in a unicystic ameloblastoma: a case report.

The follicular variant of the adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is thought to originate from the reduced enamel epithelium of the dental follicle. The origin of the extra-follicular variant however, remains less clear. This paper presents a case of an extra-follicular AOT, which we believe originated from the epithelial lining of a unicystic ameloblastoma, and reviews the literature. The available evidence seems to indicate that some extra-follicular AOTs might arise as secondary phenomena within pre-existing odontogenic cysts or cystic tumors.