An adenomatoid odontogenic tumor with unusual clinical features

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumors are uncommon odontogenic lesions characterized by duct-like structures that form from the epithelial component of the lesion. Most of these masses develop in the second or third decade of life, and there is a strong female bias in occurrence. Typically, these lesions arise in the lateral incisor/canine region of the maxilla, where they produce a swelling. Only in very rare cases is the lesion found distal to the premolar area. Nearly all of these growths are associated with an embedded anterior maxillary tooth (usually a canine), and most resemble a 1-3 cm diameter dentigerous cyst. Radiopacity is reported in two-thirds of cases. This article describes the case of a 9-year-old Caucasian male who presented with a painless swelling in the left premolar-molar region of his maxilla. This case is of particular interest because the features (patient age, gender, lesion location, size, and radiographic findings) were not typical of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor.