Unusual otolaryngic presentations of ameloblastoma

Ameloblastomas are uncommon neoplasms occuring in the mandible or maxilla. Maxillary ameloblastomas can be particularly difficult to treat because of the proximity of the maxilla to numerous vital structures. Although rare, these histologically benign tumors are capable of metastasizing, as in our case 1. Further, the presentation of ameloblastoma may at first suggest more common disease processes. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment of choice for both primary tumor and metastasis is wide local excision. Radiation therapy appears to offer some benefit, both as an adjunct to surgery and in cases in which surgery is not feasible.