DIAGNOSIS OF ODONTOGENIC MYXOMA: CLINICAL, RADIOGRAPHIC AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a benign neoplasm of ectomesenchymal origin, derived from tissues associated with dental development. Although it does not present metastatic potential, OM is characterized by locally aggressive behavior, slow growth, and an infiltrative pattern, which frequently results in late diagnoses, when the lesion has already reached considerable dimensions. Epidemiologically, it preferentially affects young adults, with a predilection for females and a higher incidence in the posterior region of the mandible. Occurrence in pediatric patients is rare and poses additional challenges to clinical management. The diagnosis of OM is complex and requires careful correlation between clinical characteristics and imaging and histopathological findings, given the overlap with other maxillofacial lesions. Radiographically, it presents great variability, manifesting as uni- or multilocular radiolucent lesions, with classic patterns such as "honeycomb" or "soap bubbles"; computed tomography is essential to assess the extent. Definitive confirmation is histopathological, characterized by spindle-shaped or stellate mesenchymal cells in an abundant mucoid stroma. Treatment does not have a single protocol, varying from conservative approaches, such as curettage, to more extensive resections, with the choice based on the extent of the lesion, the patient's age, and the high risk of recurrence, which reinforces the need for prolonged clinical and radiographic follow-up.