Childhood odontogenic myxoma: report of two cases.

The rare occurrence of an odontogenic myxoma in two 8-year-old girls is reported. Histological examination substantiated the differential clinical diagnosis. The mode of surgical treatment is discussed. o<"dontogenic myxoma is an uncommon tumor, seldom encountered in patients before the second decade of life, and then rarely in females.' It generally is assumed that this neoplasm originates in the primitive mesenchymal portion of the tooth follicle." The tumor proliferates slowly, but owing to its local aggressiveness" and high rate of recurrence, some recommend radical management.' I0 The following is a report of the unusual finding of an odontogenic myxoma in the mandible of 2 girls under the age of 10. The preoperative diagnosis and surgical treatment are discussed. lateral incisor to the lower right first molar. The second primary lower molar partially was covered by the growth, which had expanded buccolingually, reaching a diameter of 5 cm. There were clearly discernable bite marks on its upper surface (Fig 1). Radiographs revealed a radiolucent area surrounded by a distinct and delicate radiopaque border. The osteolytic lesion had dislocated the tooth follicle of the permanent canine toward the lower border of the mandible, while the first and second premolars were deviated distally with no evidence of root resorption (Fig 2). The occlusal radiograph revealed a widening of 3 cm between the lingual and buccal plates (Fig 2). Clinically, the mass presented with an unbridled growth pattern, but its behavior and the radiographic findings suggested a benign tumor. Histological examination of the substance obtained by incisional biopsy revealed stellate-shaped cells in light basophilic,