BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor, while ameloblastic carcinoma is its malignant counterpart. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in malignancies have been correlated with higher aggressiveness and poor prognosis, as well as greater expression of podoplanin by tumoral cells. METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of podoplanin, CD34, and CD105 (endoglin) was evaluated in 53 ameloblastomas and three ameloblastic carcinomas; additionally, immunohistochemistry for podoplanin was also performed in 10 tooth germs. Microvessel density of blood and lymphatic vessels was calculated and compared between ameloblastomas and ameloblastic carcinomas. Immunoexpression of podoplanin by ameloblastic cells was evaluated in tooth germs, ameloblastomas, and ameloblastic carcinomas. RESULTS: Podoplanin was similarly expressed by odontogenic epithelial cells of tooth germs and ameloblastomas, while its expression was lower in ameloblastic carcinomas. There was no difference in microvessel density assessed by CD34 between ameloblastomas and ameloblastic carcinomas; nevertheless, the latter presented higher amounts of lymphatic and new formed blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that podoplanin does not seem to be involved in invasion mechanisms of ameloblastic carcinomas, as its expression was decreased in the malignant tumoral cells. On the other hand, the increased lymphatic microvessel density and neoangiogenesis found in ameloblastic carcinomas could be related to its aggressiveness and potential for metastasis.