Peripheral ameloblastoma of the mandible. Case report

Peripheral ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumour, located on the gingiva of the tooth bearing areas of the upper and lower jaws. Clinically, it appears as a tumour of elastic consistency, mostly sessile and with a smooth, granulomatous or ulcerated surface. The histological appearance of this tumour is identical with that of an intraosseous ameloblastoma. However, its biologic behaviour does not resemble that of an intraosseous ameloblastoma, which is more aggressive and has a greater tendency to recur. The aim of this study is to report a case of a 74-year old male with a peripheral ameloblastoma in the right molar area and ramus of the mandible. The clinical examination revealed a reddish, 3x2cm large exophytic lesion, which was located in the alveolar mucosa of the right side of the mandible. Its surface was bleeding on pressure; it was hard on palpation and focally ulcerated. The CT-scan revealed a cup-shaped, radiolucent area, corresponding to that of the lesion. The surgical excision and restoration provided the bestpossible result for the patient. In conclusion, the present case of ameloblastoma meets the criteria for classification as a peripheral ameloblastoma, on the basis of the clinical and imaging findings, since no histological differential criteria are reported in the international literature.