A case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma of the maxilla.

A case of desmoplastic ameloblastoma of the maxilla is presented. The tumor showed characteristic radiographical and histological features. Radiographically, the tumor showed a mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesion occupying the left maxillary sinus with undefined borders in the alveolar process. Histopathologically, the tumor was characterized by abundant, densely collagenous stroma with small nests and strands of odontogenic epithelium and bone tissues. Findings during operation suggested that the tumor arising in the alveolar process had grown upwards and almost displaced the left maxillary sinus. Complete resection is recommended for this variant because of the possibility of tumor infiltration into the surrounding bone marrow spaces.