Squamous odontogenic tumor of the maxilla: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Squamous odontogenic tumors are rare neoplasms of the jaw that are benign and locally infiltrative. The tumor originates in the gingival rests of Malassez, remnants of dental lamina or gingival surface epithelium. This type of tumor was first described by Pullon et al. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 40:616–630, 1975). The clinical presentation is mostly asymptomatic, though pain and tooth mobility may also occur. Radiographically, the tumor presents as a triangular radiolucent lesion found mostly in the maxilla and present between the roots of the teeth. Histologically, it may appear similar to acanthomatous and desmoplastic ameloblastoma; hence, it can present problems in differential diagnosis. Here, we describe a case of squamous odontogenic tumor of the anterior maxilla in a middle-aged Indian man.