SURGICAL EXCISION OF AMELOBLASTOMA IN THE MAXILLA

Abstract

Ameloblastomas are locally invasive and slowly growing odontogenic tumors. Its etiology has not been well defined and the forms of treatment are widely discussed, because of possible tumor recurrences and postoperative complications. The paper presents the case report of a female patient, 51 years old, who attended the oral and maxillofacial surgery service complaining of an increase in volume in the maxilla region involving elements 14, 15, and 16, with a 1-year evolution. During clinical examination we noticed facial asymmetry and normocorated mucosa with the presence of anterior gingival lesion of 14 to 16, with a hard and asymptomatic consistency. Panoramic radiographic examination demonstrated small multilocular radiolucent areas at the maxilla of 14 to 16. For diagnostic purposes, incisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia in the facial surface of the maxilla, revealing an ameloblastoma of follicular pattern. After confirming the diagnosis, the tumor was completely resected through hemimaxillectomy. Ameloblastomas are locally invasive and slowly growing odontogenic tumors. Its etiology has not been well defined and the forms of treatment are widely discussed, because of possible tumor recurrences and postoperative complications. The paper presents the case report of a female patient, 51 years old, who attended the oral and maxillofacial surgery service complaining of an increase in volume in the maxilla region involving elements 14, 15, and 16, with a 1-year evolution. During clinical examination we noticed facial asymmetry and normocorated mucosa with the presence of anterior gingival lesion of 14 to 16, with a hard and asymptomatic consistency. Panoramic radiographic examination demonstrated small multilocular radiolucent areas at the maxilla of 14 to 16. For diagnostic purposes, incisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia in the facial surface of the maxilla, revealing an ameloblastoma of follicular pattern. After confirming the diagnosis, the tumor was completely resected through hemimaxillectomy.