IMPROPER DIAGNOSIS OF MANDIBULAR AMELOBLASTOMA OVER A SIX-YEAR PERIOD

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2022-09, Vol.134 (3), p.e182-e182
• Main Authors: Paz, Ana Luiza Lima Medeiros, Godinho, Géssica Vasconcelos, Heguedusch, Daniele, Pinto, Clovis Antônio Lopes, Vieira, Patrícia Veronica Aulestia, Rocha, André Caroli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.01.539

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor with progressive growth and high tendency to relapse. Because it is asymptomatic in early stages, diagnosis is often late or is eventually detected on routine radiographs. We report a case of a 26-year-old patient with ameloblastoma, mistakenly diagnosed as a lesion of pulpal origin. The patient underwent endodontic treatment of the involved teeth and remained on 6-month follow-up for 6 years. Because the lesion maintained an expansive behavior, the patient was referred for specialized evaluation. Swelling in the left lower alveolar ridge was observed and imaging exams showed a radiolucent, multilocular image, involving the mandibular body, expanding and eroding cortical bone, and causing root resorption. An incisional biopsy revealed the diagnosis of ameloblastoma. The treatment consisted of tumor excision through intraoral access, extraction of the involved teeth, curettage, and peripheral ostectomy. The patient has been in follow-up for 12 years, with no recurrence so far.