Follicular Ameloblastoma of Maxillary: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor that appears in the mandible and maxilla. Ameloblastoma has slow growth that takes several years for symptoms to appear, but ameloblastoma in the maxilla has a more aggressive clinical course compared to the mandible. The lack of initial symptoms leading to diagnosis at an advanced disease when the tumour has already extended beyond maxilla. The cancellous structure of the maxillary bone makes it easier for tumors to spread to the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, orbitals, parapharyngeal tissue and skull base. This article reports a case of resection of maxillary ameloblastoma. Case Report: A 63 year old female patient came with complaints of a lump on her right cheek since 2 years back that gradually increased in size. Since 2 months ago, pus and blood have been coming out of the lump. Extra oral examination revealed a well-defined mass with a solid and hard consistency, there were no ulcers or fistulas. Intraorally, a mass measuring 5x5x3cm was found in the region of teeth 12 to 15 which extended to the buccal-palatal area. History of allergies and weight loss was denied. Supporting examinations including panoramic radiography, PA chest radiography, CT-Scan, FNAB, and biopsy resulted in a diagnosis of ameloblastoma. Treatment was carried out by resection of the right maxillary tumor mass under general anesthesia. Discussion: In this case, the patient's clinical examination showed a hard and large palpable swelling in the right maxilla area which extended from the region of tooth 12 to tooth 15 which caused facial asymmetry and no tooth mobility was found. This hard and painless swelling takes about 2 years before the patient experiences symptoms of pus and blood discharge. The post-maxillectomy defect in this case was covered with an intraoral prosthesis in the form of a post-surgical obturator made of acrylic resin. The obturator functions to hold the surgical packing, and prevent food or dirt contamination in the defect area which can cause infection and slow healing. The use of a prosthesis also helps restore swallowing and speech function to the patient. Conlussion: In principle, the treatment for ameloblastoma is resection of the involved bone, as in this case the action taken is a maxillectomy. Maxillectomy can result in facial and oral cavity deformities characterised by facial disfigurement and alterations in oral functionality.Therefore, maxillary reconstruction is needed to treat maxillary defects after surgical procedures involving the loss of part or all of the maxilla.