Ameloblastomaa are odontogenic benign tumors with epithelial origin, which are characterized by slow, aggressive, and invasive growth. Most ameloblastomas occur in the mandible, and their prevalence in the maxilla is low. A 27-year-old male visited our clinic with a chief complaint of the left side nasal airway obstruction. Three-dimensional computed tomography showed left maxillary sinus filled with a mass. Except for the perforated maxillary left edentulous area, no invaded or destructed bone was noted. The tumor was excised via Le Fort I osteotomy. The main mass was then sent for biopsy and it revealed acanthomatous ameloblastoma. The lesion in the left maxillary sinus reached the ethmoidal sinus through the nasal cavity but did not invade the orbit and skull base. The tumor was accessed through a Le Fort I downfracture in consideration of the growth pattern and range of invasion. The operation site healed without aesthetic appearances and functional impairments. However, further long-term clinical observation is necessary in the future for the recurrence of ameloblastoma. Conservative surgical treatment could be the first choice considering fast recovery after surgery and the patient's life quality.
Adult ; Ameloblastoma ; Biopsy ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Maxillary Sinus ; Nasal Cavity ; Nasal Obstruction ; Orbit ; Osteotomy ; Prevalence ; Quality of Life ; Recurrence ; Skull Base

BACKGROUND: Oroantral communicating defects, characterized by a connection between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity, are often induced by tooth extraction, removal of cysts and benign tumors, and resection of malignant tumors. The surgical defect may develop into an oroantral fistula, with resultant patient discomfort and chronic maxillary sinusitis. Small defects may close spontaneously; however, large oroantral defects generally require reconstruction. These large defects can be reconstructed with skin grafts and vascularized free flaps with or without bone graft. However, such surgical techniques are complex and technically difficult. A buccal fat pad is an effective, reliable, and straightforward material for reconstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes three cases of reconstruction of large oroantral defects, all of which were covered by a pedicled buccal fat pad. Follow-up photography and radiologic imaging showed successful closure of the oroantral defects. Furthermore, there were no operative site complications, and no patient reported postsurgical discomfort. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of the pedicled buccal fat pad is a reliable, safe, and successful method for the reconstruction of large oroantral defects.
Adipose Tissue ; Follow-Up Studies ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Maxillary Sinus ; Maxillary Sinusitis ; Methods ; Mouth ; Oroantral Fistula ; Photography ; Skin ; Tooth Extraction ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a benign bone lesion characterized by the progressive replacement of normal bone with fibro-osseous connective tissue. The maxilla is the most commonly affected area of facial bone, resulting in facial asymmetry and functional disorders. Surgery is an effective management option and involves removing the diseased bone via an intraoral approach: conservative bone shaving or radical excision and reconstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a monostotic fibrous dysplasia in which the patient’s right midface had a prominent appearance. The asymmetric maxillary area was surgically recontoured via the midfacial degloving approach under general anesthesia. Follow-up photography and radiographic imaging after surgery showed the structures were in a stable state without recurrence of the FD lesion. Furthermore, there were no visible scars or functional disability, and the patient reported no postoperative discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the midfacial degloving approach for treatment of maxillary fibrous dysplasia is a reliable and successful treatment option. Without visible scars and virtually free of postoperative functional disability, this approach offers good exposure of the middle third of the face for treatment of maxillary fibrous dysplasia with excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Anesthesia, General ; Cicatrix ; Connective Tissue ; Facial Asymmetry ; Facial Bones ; Fibrous Dysplasia, Monostotic ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Photography ; Recurrence