Uncommon bilateral maxillary exostosis: case report

Abstract

Exostoses or hyperostoses are benign bony outgrowths originating from the cortical bone and depend on their location for a more precise designation. The most common types found in the oral cavity are the torus palatinus and the torus mandibularis. Buccal and palatal exostoses are located along the buccal aspect of the maxilla and/or the mandible (commonly in the premolar and molar areas) and on the palatal aspect of the maxilla (usually in the tuberosity area), respectively. The etiology of exostoses still hasn’t been enlightened but an interaction between environmental and genetic factors is accredited. They are usually asymptomatic, unless the mucosa becomes ulcerated. The frequency of exostoses increases with age, having their biggest prevalence from 60 years old, being more common in men and suffering ethnic influences. A thorough evaluation is important for the correct diagnosis since other lesions have similar clinical characteristics to the exostoses such as osteomas. The majority of exostoses are diagnosed clinically along with radiographic interpretations, making the biopsy dispensable and the treatment is usually unnecessary. The aim of this article was to describe a case report of bilateral maxillary exostosis, unusual, in a female patient. If an excessive amount of bone is present the exostoses may exhibit a relative radiopacity on dental radiographs. Initially, periapical and panoramic radiographs were performed to evaluate the alterations. Due to the size of the exostoses a concomitant Cone Beam Computed Tomography was performed to confirm the diagnosis. The patient is in follow-up.