Resumo

MUNIZ, Vinícius Rio Verde Melo et al.   Clinical and radiographic features and diagnosis of ameloblastoma: a case report. Rev. cir. traumatol. buco-maxilo-fac. [online]. 2014, vol.14, n.4, pp. 27-32. ISSN 1808-5210.

Ameloblastoma is a benign neoplasm commonly found in maxillary bones, formed from remnants of dental lamina. As regards its clinical behavior, it is a tumor of slow growth, usually asymptomatic, causing displacement, mobility, tooth resorption, and paresthesia. Radiographically, it may present as a radiolucent uni- or multiocular lesion, normally with well-defined boundaries resembling a "honeycomb" or "soap bubbles". Histologically, it presents various patterns, particularly the multicystic variant. There are various methods of treatment, ranging from enucleation and curettage to the more aggressive resections with or without loss of bone continuity. Being an aggressive tumor, ameloblastoma has a high percentage of recurrence and its prognosis depends on several factors involving clinical, radiological and histopathological features that characterize its biological behavior. The objective of this paper is to report the clinical and radiographic features in the diagnosis of ameloblastoma and the suitable choice of treatment, based on the report of a clinical case.

Palavras-chave : Ameloblastoma; diagnosis; Primary Treatment..