Maxillary ameloblastoma: A case report

Abstract

Maxillary ameloblastoma is a rare, benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor arising from remnants of the dental lamina. While ameloblastomas predominantly affect the mandible, maxillary involvement constitutes a small fraction of cases and presents unique clinical challenges due to the anatomical complexity of the maxilla and its proximity to vital structures such as the orbit, nasal cavity, and cranial base. Clinically, maxillary ameloblastomas often manifest as painless swelling, facial asymmetry, or nasal obstruction, but they may remain asymptomatic until reaching a considerable size. Radiographically, they typically appear as multilocular radiolucencies with ill-defined borders, often mimicking other maxillary pathologies. Histologically, they exhibit diverse patterns, with the follicular and plexiform subtypes being the most common. Due to their aggressive behavior and tendency for local recurrence, especially when not completely excised, management requires wide surgical resection with clear margins. Reconstruction and long-term follow-up are crucial to monitor for recurrence and to restore function and aesthetics. Given their rarity and complex behavior, multidisciplinary management is often essential for optimal outcomes. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with maxillary ameloblastoma treated successfully.