Ameloblastoma of the maxilla. Case report.

A basal cell maxillary ameloblastoma became obvious as an asymptomatic swelling of the left buccal sulcus and alveolar process, although a large extension into the maxillary sinus up to the nasal conchae and the orbital floor had already occurred. The painless and slow growth of the lesion, the thin bone of the upper jaws, the adjacent cavities and the vital structures are the main factors for delay in recognition and thus the potentially lethal result of a maxillary ameloblastoma. A review of location, age, sex and race predilection, clinical course, radiographic appearance, histological types and treatment methods in made.