An Aggressive Ameloblastic Fibroma in Maxilla of a 5-Year-Old Child—Reconstruction of the Defect with Buccal Flap Advancement—A Conservative Approach

Abstract

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare tumour of mixed odontogenic origin that can occur either in mandible or maxilla but is most frequently found in the posterior region of mandible. Age of occurrence is generally between first and second decades of life. It is often mistaken for a den tigerous cyst due to presence of an impacted tooth. The diagnosis of AF usually occurs accidentally by routine radiographic examination for an impacted tooth. Histologically it consists of odontogenic ectomesenchyme resembling the dental papilla, epithelium resembling dental lamina and enamel organ without dental hard tissues. There is controversy in the literature as to whether the treatment should be conservative or a radical resection should be done. A conservative treatment strategy, such as enucleation and curettage, is usually sufficient. We describe a case of massive ameloblastic fibroma in a 5-year-old child with an unusual position in maxillary posterior region and without any impacted tooth. Surgical resection of the tumor through Weber Ferguson approach was done under GA with 2 years of follow-up without any recurrence.