The present profile of the peripheral ameloblastoma (PA) is based on a literature survey of 160 published tumour cases. The PA is an exophytic growth localized to the soft tissues overlying the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws, the initial diagnosis often being fibrous epulis. In most cases there is no radiological evidence of bone involvement, but a superficial bone erosion--known as cupping or saucerization--may be detected at operation. The PA accounts for 2-10% of all ameloblastomas. The overall average age is 52.1 years, slightly higher for males (52.9 years) than for females (50.6 years). Thus, the PA occurs at a significantly higher age than the intraosseous ameloblastoma (IA; 37.4 years). The male/female ratio amounts to 1.9:1, as opposed to 1.2:1 for the IA. The male/female ratio for the Japanese cases included in this survey is 2.5:1 as opposed to that of non-Japanese cases 1.4:1. As to the location of PA, the maxilla/mandible ratio is 1:2.6. The mandibular premolar region accounts for 32.6% of all sites. Five extra-gingival lesions have been reported under the term PA. As these cases most likely represent salivary gland tumours, they are not accepted under the diagnosis of PA. The odontogenic gingival epithelial hamartoma shows clinical, histological and behavioural features almost identical to the PA, and it is discussed whether this lesion and the PA should be considered one and the same entity. Pathogenetically, two major sources are discussed: remnants of the dental lamina and the oral surface epithelium. Histologically, the PA consists of proliferating odontogenic epithelium exhibiting the same histomorphological cell types and patterns as seen in the IA. The stroma is that of a mature, fibrous connective tissue. The indolent biological behaviour dictates a conservative therapeutical approach. It is discussed whether PA is a true neoplastic counterpart of the IA or rather an odontogenic hamartomatous lesion. Six cases of malignant PA have been reported.