A RARE CASE OF ODONTOGENIC MYXOFIBROMA OF THE MAXILLA IN A YOUNG PATIENT: A CHALLENGING DIAGNOSTIC AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Odontogenic myxofibroma is a benign but locally aggressive, slow-growing, expansile mesenchymal tumor that is more commonly observed in women and primarily affects the posterior mandible, with rare involvement of the maxilla. This tumor accounts for approximately 3-6% of odontogenic tumors. This article describes a rare case of a 17-year-old male presenting with a two-year history of an enlargement on the right side of the face, affecting the buccal and palatal areas of the posterior maxilla. Clinically, the lesion exhibited a hard consistency with normal coloration of the surrounding tissues, was non-ulcerated and non-tender on palpation, and showed no signs of bleeding. The tumor was completely removed, and the remaining bone was stabilized using a miniplate. At the 16-month follow-up evaluation, no clinical or radiographic evidence of tumor recurrence was observed. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with maxillary odontogenic myxofibroma due to its nonspecific clinical and radiographic features and underscores the importance of histopathological confirmation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.