OSTEOBLASTOMA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Osteoblastoma is an uncommon benign tumor of osteoblasts containing areas of osteoid and immature bone. This tumor occurs most often in the spine of a young person, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1, and the average age at discovery is 17 years. There may be a report of swelling or pain. Osteoblastomas are rare in the jaws, and when they do occur there, are found both in the tooth-bearing regions, more in the posterior mandible, and commonly around the temporomandibular joint (within the condyle or the temporal bone). Aggressive osteoblastoma may represent low-grade osteosarcoma. <h3>Objective(s)</h3> The aim of this study was to demonstrate a rare but potentially destructive lesion. <h3>Discussion/Conclusions</h3> A 14-year-old male was referred to the oral surgery clinic after the discovery of a swelling in the left side posterior mandible during a routine examination. The area was asymptomatic and a pantomograph revealed a radiopaque mass in the left posterior mandible. A series of radiographs demonstrated the growth of an enlarging radiopaque entity in the left side of the posterior mandible. An incisional biopsy was performed and the specimen submitted for decalcification and histopathologic examination. Enucleation and curettage of the left mandibular lesion with peripheral ostectomy was carried out, and a surgical plate that extended from the midramus to ipsilateral canine along the inferior border of the mandible was placed.