Peripheral ameloblastoma
Background – Peripheral ameloblastoma is seen in the soft tissues overlying the tooth-bearing areas of the oral cavity. It is a rare benign variant of the classical central ameloblastoma. Peripheral ameloblastomas tend to be diagnosed in middleaged and older individuals. There is a male predominance, and the vast majority of cases are seen in the mandible. Clinically a slowly growing painless exophytic growth is seen. Histopathological examination reveals an ameloblastic growth pattern usually beneath an intact surface epithelium. Significant bone involvement is not seen.
Case study – In the present article a case of peripheral ameloblastoma in the mandibular molar/pre-molar area in a 76-yearold male is presented. The preoperative diagnosis was pyogenic granuloma or other lesion caused by an irritative stimulus. The lesion was surgically excised and the histological examination revealed an ameloblastoma.
Conclusion – The clinical presentation of peripheral ameloblastoma is not pathognomonic and the diagnosis can only be established upon histological examination of excised tissue. Peripheral ameloblastomas are treated by means of surgical excision. One year post-operatively, there were no signs of recurrence.
