Odontogenic myxoma--a case report and clinico-radiographic study of seven tumors.

The primary aim of this paper is to present clinical and radiographic aspects of odontogenic myxomas diagnosed at the Stomatology Clinic of Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil and to compare them with data reported in a series published in the literature. A second objective is to report a clinical case of odontogenic myxoma in a 9-year-old patient in whom the lesion involved the anterior region of the maxilla. Dental records between 1975 and 2000 were reviewed and seven cases diagnosed as odontogenic myxoma were found in individuals aged from nine to 60 years. Of these, four occurred in women and three in men. The mandible was affected in five cases and the maxilla in two. All patients presented with asymptomatic swelling in the affected area. A mixed radiographic result was observed in five patients, while in two patients the lesion was completely radiolucent. The borders of the lesion were well-defined in six patients. In four cases there was dental displacement, although root resorption was not observed in any of these. The treatment of choice was surgical excision. Four cases did not recur during the period of follow-up, which varied from nine months to 19 years. It was concluded the clinico-radiographic study of odontogenic myxomas should be continually refined with the aim of offering the patient an appropriate treatment, since the lesion presents a high potential for recurrence.