Peripheral Ameloblastoma: A Case Report

From Volume 33, Issue 10, December 2006 | Pages 624-625

Authors

Mairéad I Hayes

BDS, MFDS RCS(Ed), SHO

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk, UK

Articles by Mairéad I Hayes

Sharon E Prince

FDS, RCPS, FFD RCSI, FRCS (OMFS)

Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk, UK

Articles by Sharon E Prince

Abstract

Peripheral ameloblastoma is an uncommon pathological variant of the more usual intraosseous central ameloblastoma. It most typically presents as a localized soft tissue mass occurring in the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws and is often provisionally diagnosed as an epulis. In this paper, a 43-year-old male presented with a three-year history of a painful, slowly enlarging gingival swelling. There was no evidence of bony involvement on radiographs but it was revealed histologically to be a peripheral ameloblastoma.

Treatment was by wide local excision, including a bony margin, and primary closure. Long-term follow-up is imperative owing to possible recurrence and malignant potential.

Article