Infiltrative odontogenic myxoma of the posterior maxilla: Report of a case

Abstract

Myxomas of the head and neck are rare tumors of uncertain histogenesis. Odontogenic myxomas in maxilla are less common but behave more aggressively, as it spreads through maxillary antrum. It therefore reaches considerable size before being detected. The current case arouses particular interest due to the rapid growth and infiltrating nature of the lesion in a 25-year-old female patient, who denied any leading symptoms, even with the lesion involving extensively. Radiographic and microscopic similarities to a number of entities make diagnostic interpretation of odontogenic myxoma challenging. Therefore sound knowledge of clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features is important to establish an appropriate treatment aimed at a good clinical course and patient cure.

Odontogenic myxoma of maxilla: A review discussion with two case reports

“…[ 2 3 5 ] OM was first mentioned in the literature by Thoma and Goldman in 1947. [ 5 8 9 ] In 1948, Stout redefined the histologic criteria for myxomas as true neoplasms that do not metastasize and exclude the presence of recognizable cellular components of other mesenchymal tissues, especially chondroblasts, lipoblasts, and rhabdomyoblasts. [ 2 3 ]…”

“…[ 6 9 ] It is rarely seen in patients younger than 10 years and older than 50 years of age. [ 2 5 6 9 ] According to Farman et al ., suggested mean age of maxillary OM for men was 29.2 years and 35.3 years for women while in mandibular OM in men occur at mean age of 25.8 years and 29.3 years for women. [ 11 ] Gunahan et al .…”

“…According to some studies, root displacement rather than resorption is the rule of jaw myxomas. [ 3 6 9 10 17 ] Radiographically, OM may present similar features of an ameloblastoma or a central giant cell granuloma or sometimes may mimic an osteosarcoma. These facts do pose potential difficulties in reaching a proper diagnosis merely on radiographic studies.…”

“…Differential diagnoses include ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, central giant cell granuloma, intraosseous hemangioma, aneurysmal bone cyst, glandular odontogenic cyst, cherubism, fibrous dysplasia, metastatic tumor in multilocular cases and in cases of unilocular lesions, periapical, lateral, periodontal and simple bone cysts. [ 4 5 9 17 ] In older patients, the possibility of a malignancy should not be ruled out. [ 16 ] The radiographic appearance of unilocular type of OM was similar to that of the odontogenic cyst and unilocular ameloblastoma, but the fine bone septa can sometimes be seen in the unilocular type of OM and the latter two lack this feature.…”

Extensive Odontogenic Myxoma of the Maxilla: A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Although benign, OM can be locally invasive and aggressive. The tumour is generally slow-growing and mitoses are rarely seen [12]. However, few cases of rapidly growing OMs have been described.…”