MAXILLARY OSTEOMA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoma consists of a benign neoplasm originated from the bone tissue, which affects mainly young adults and may occur in the gnathic bones, with a predilection for the mandible. Its clinical appearance is a sessile or pedunculated tissue swelling, and may manifest as solitary or multiple lesions. In radiographic exams, it displays a circumscribed radiopaque image with sclerotic borders. Objective: This study aims to report a case of osteoma in the anterior maxilla. Case Report: A 14-year old female patient was referred to the Department of Dentistry, UFRN, complaining of an asymptomatic swelling in gingiva. Intraoral examination revealed a sessile nodule, with lobulated surface and hard consistency, in gingiva next to the dental element 21. Panoramic radiograph revealed a circular radiolucent-radiopaque area in left hemimaxila, and on lateral norm teleradiograph, a discrete circumscribed radiopaque area was observed in the region of upper incisors. The diagnostic hypothesis of osteoma was suggested, proceeding to excisional biopsy. Histopathological examination showed mature compact bone with sparse marrow elements, chronic inflammatory cells and dystrophic calcifications. Based on the clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings, diagnostic hypothesis of osteoma was confirmed. The patient is under clinical follow-up for 01 year, without signs of recurrence. Conclusion: We emphasize the relevance of histopathological analysis for the diagnosis of osteoma, whereas this neoplasm may present clinical and radiographic similarities with other lesions. Considering the cases of relapse reported in the literature, it is recommended the clinical follow-up of the patient after surgical therapy. DESCRIPTORS: Osteoma. Maxillary. Pathology, Oral.