Comparative Immunohistochemical Analysis of Craniopharyngioma and Ameloblastoma: Insights into Odontogenic Differentiation

Histopathological similarities between craniopharyngioma (CP) and ameloblastoma (AB) have long been recognized, particularly the shared features of palisading columnar epithelium and stellate reticulum-like areas. This study aimed to investigate potential odontogenic differentiation in CP akin to AB using immunohistochemical odontogenic markers. We analyzed AMELX, ODAM, and CK19 expression in 44 cases (20 CP and 24 AB). While AMELX and ODAM showed diffuse strong positive expression in both tumors with no significant statistical differences, CK19 expression was notably higher in CP. The markers AMELX and ODAM associated with odontogenic differentiation exhibited similar profiles in both tumors due to shared similar embryological origins. Notably, CK19, a biomarker of odontogenic epithelium, showed even higher expression, suggesting distinct pathways. These findings offer insights into tumor biology and may aid in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.