A rare case of aggressive osteoblastoma in maxilla

Abstract

AbstractOsteoblastoma is a benign osteogenic bone tumour. Despite having a benign character, a small subgroup referred to as aggressive or epithelioid osteoblastoma can exhibit locally aggressive behaviour. Herein, we report a 45‐year‐old man who presented with a rapidly growing palatal and maxillary mass that resulted in difficulty with respiration and oral feeding. Following radiological evaluation and incisional biopsy based on the prediagnosis of aggressive osteoblastoma, total maxillectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed an expansile bone‐forming tumour without any atypical mitosis, necrosis, pleomorphism or hyperchromasia and it was interpreted as aggressive osteoblastoma. The differential diagnosis includes low‐grade osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma, and there is an ongoing debate about the proper classification and diagnosis. Proper treatment should include surgical excision of the lesion, reconstruction of the surgical site and close follow‐up for possible recurrence. This case is a well‐demonstrated example of multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of a rare and challenging phenomenon.