Journal of Dental Medicine

Ameloblastoma is one of the most common benign tumors originating from odontogenic tissues. Despite being benign, it has a locally aggressive behavior and a high tendency to relapse. While, this tumor is mainly found in the posterior region of the mandible, its occurrence in the maxilla is rare and is associated with more diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report presents a rare case of ameloblastoma in the maxilla of a 64-year-old male patient who presented with painless swelling and significant extension of the lesion to the midpalate. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings were reviewed and after necessary evaluations, the diagnosis of ameloblastoma was confirmed. The anatomical complexity of the maxilla, proximity to vital structures, and surgical limitations make the management of these tumors more difficult. The present report emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, careful histological examination, and the need for a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach in dealing with this type of tumor.

Introduction: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is an odontogenic lesion with aggressive biological behavior, which occurs mainly in the posterior region of the mandible. Late diagnosis and treatment of this lesion is a significant diagnostic challenge.
Case report: The patient was a 12-year-old boy with complaints of progressive and painful swelling in the mandible for the past two months. The lesion ranged from the right first molar to the left first molar of the mandible. Panoramic radiography revealed a large multilocular radiolucent lesion with well-defined borders, which had caused bone loss and displacement of adjacent teeth. Considering the extension of the lesion in the midline region, the young age of the child along with other clinical and radiologic findings, the diagnosis of OKC was suggested which was ultimately confirmed by histopathologic examination.
Conclusion: The extensive spread of the lesion in an unusual site of OKC occurrence, its growth pattern, and the simultaneity of its occurrence with vitiligo in this case highlight the importance of reporting this case.