Anterior Maxillary Ameloblastic Fibroma in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

TL;DR

A rare case of ameloblastic fibroma in a child's upper jaw is reported, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and long-term monitoring.

Contribution

This case report presents an unusual anterior maxillary location of ameloblastic fibroma in a pediatric patient.

Findings

The lesion was successfully enucleated with no recurrence after six months.

Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ameloblastic fibroma.

The case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up due to recurrence and malignant potential.

Abstract

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare benign mixed odontogenic tumor, more frequently observed in children and adolescents. It typically develops in the posterior region of the mandible. Radiographically, it appears as a well-defined radiolucent lesion, requiring histological confirmation to differentiate it from other odontogenic tumors.

We report the case of an eight-year-old male patient in good general health who presented following an anterior trauma. The extraoral examination was normal, while the intraoral examination revealed the avulsion of tooth 11, a complicated enamel-dentin fracture of tooth 21, and a firm palatal swelling. Radiographic evaluation showed a unilocular radiolucent lesion containing radiopaque structures, initially suggesting a diagnosis of compound odontoma. Complete enucleation of the lesion revealed calcified components and soft tissue. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of AF.

A conservative enucleation was performed due to the well-defined margins of the lesion, along with apexification of the adjacent permanent tooth 21. A six-month postoperative follow-up showed satisfactory bone healing with no signs of recurrence. Given that this fibroma presents a potential for recurrence and malignant transformation, rigorous long-term follow-up is essential. This case highlights the importance of thorough clinical, radiographic, and histological evaluation of jaw lesions in pediatric patients, as well as the necessity of long-term follow-up to ensure early detection of any complications.

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