Peripheral Ameloblastoma

Definition Ameloblastoma is the most common tumor of odontogenic epithelial origin that primarily affects the jaws.

Etiology Unknown. The peripheral ameloblastoma probably arises fromdental lamina rests or from basal epithelial cells.

Clinical features Peripheral ameloblastoma is rare and accounts for about 1–2% of all ameloblastomas. It usually presents as a painless, slowgrowing, nonulcerated, sessile red mass. The size of the lesion varies between 1 and 2 cm. The posterior alveolar mucosa and the gingiva of the mandible are more frequently affected. The lesion causes little or no bone erosion. The clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by a biopsy and histopathological examination.

Differential diagnosis Pyogenic granuloma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, fibroma, squamous-cell carcinoma, extraosseous calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, extraosseous calcifying epithelial odontogenic cyst, odontogenic myxoma.

Treatment Local surgical excision.

Peripheral ameloblastoma, red mass on the posterior alveolar mucosa