AMELOBLASTOMA IN THE MAXILLA: CLINICAL, RADIOLOGIC, AND PATHOLOGIC ANALYSIS

Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor; however, its occurrence in the maxilla is rare. Locally it shows infiltrative behavior and it has high rates of relapse. A 43-year-old male presented with an oral sinus communication after extraction of tooth #26. Oral examination revealed a 4-cm nodular lesion in the posterior region of the left superior vestibular sulcus, with an irregular surface and soft consistency. Computed tomography showed complete opacification as well as the destruction of the floor and the posterior wall of the left maxillary sinus. An incisional biopsy was performed and histopathologic examination revealed cords and islands of odontogenic epithelium embedded in a stroma with dense connective tissue. Basal cells showed cytoplasmic vacuolization and reverse polarization of the nuclei. The cells in the central region were loosely arranged and there were foci of cystic degeneration. After diagnosis of ameloblastoma, the lesion was enucleated and no recurrence was observed during follow-up.