Comparison of the osteoblastoma in gnathic and extragnathic sites.

A comparative analysis of extragnathic and gnathic osteoblastomas showed that the lesion was similar clinical, radiologic, and histologic features in these two sites. Osteoblastomas in both areas most commonly present as painful swellings and appear radiographically as lucent or sclerotic lesions, depending on the degree of calcification. The typical histologic appearance is of a highly vascularized stroma with osteoblasts and abundant trabeculae of osteoid and immature bone in various degrees of calcification. These lesions are most often treated conservatively by curettage or local excision. The results of this comparison indicate that oral and maxillofacial surgeons can draw on the wider experience of other types of surgeons when treating this rare lesion.