[Myelolipomatosis. A report of a case located in the mandible]

Myelolipoma is a rare benign tumour involving, in the majority of cases, the adrenal gland. Given the absolute predominance of this localisation, in this report of extra-adrenal localisations of these tumours the authors considered it worthwhile and necessary to refer to the former, relatively more complete series of data, with the exception of the supposed or real differences which exist between the two groups. Myelolipomatosis should not be considered an example of dysplasia, but on the contrary benign metaplasia/hamartoma. It is therefore obvious that, faced with an expansive process of this type, it is vital to obtain a precise diagnosis on which to base the choice of clinical and therapeutic management since this is also influenced by the anatomical site of the tumour. On the basis of a series of pathophysiological parameters, the authors have formulated a diagnostic protocol followed by a therapeutic approach since, in this context, there is no point resorting to a so-called "wait and see" strategy. In addition, the analysis of the above parameters convinced the authors of the possibility that these tumours should be regarded as bodies which should not be separated from the reaction of the organism as a whole to and appropriate stressigenic event persisting over time.