Prognostic evaluation of preserving palatal mucosa after resection of maxillary myxoma: 10 years' follow-up.

OBJECTIVES

This study was carried out to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of preserving palatal mucosa after resection of odontogenic maxillary myxomas.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifteen patients (9 females and 6 males) with odontogenic maxillary myxomas participated in this study. Their ages ranged between 22 and 40 years. They were diagnosed as having myxomas by clinical and computed tomographic examinations as well as by performing biopsies on them. All lesions were treated by maxillary resection with preserving palatal mucosa. After surgery, the resultant surgical defects were followed up for 10 years.

RESULTS

No clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence was observed after 20 years' follow-up. The healing process was rapidly progressing without any serious complications. However, 6 patients complained of sore areas in their palatal mucosa because of the acrylic stents. They were successfully treated with mouthwash, anti-inflammatory drugs, and relief of the acrylic stents. After surgery, numbness of the upper lip was observed in all cases; however, it improved gradually in 5 patients over a period of 2 years. Computed tomographic scan of the surgical sites has shown incomplete filling of the resultant surgical defects. Constantly, there was empty space beneath the orbital floor in all computed tomographic images.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillary resection with preserving palatal mucosa is a recommended treatment modality for odontogenic maxillary myxomas as it minimizes the unpleasant sequelae after surgery without recurrence. However, this technique should be restricted only to the cases having intact palatal bone.