[Post-trauma mandibular osteoma]

Osteomas are benign bone tumors with a slow progressive growth. These lesions are predominantly located in craniofacial sinuses, but other locations including mandible have been described. Their etiopathogenesis remains controversial. We report a case of post-trauma mandibular osteoma. Gardner syndrome was ruled out.

A 31-year-old female patient consulted for a peri-mandibular swelling present for the previous two years. On radiological examination, a bone sclerotic lesion was observed, located on the right lower mandibular edge. Patient history documented an initial trauma at the lesion site. Surgery was performed and anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of compact osteoma. There was no recurrence one year after surgery.

The etiopathogenesis of osteomas is controversial and several hypotheses are suggested. It is regarded as a true benign tumoral process, or abnormality of development, or as a reaction to trauma or infection. The development of osteoma after trauma has been described in several cases, notably in mandibular locations exposed to shocks (angle and lower edge). Multiple osteomas must mandatorily lead to screening for a Gardner's syndrome, because of the associated risk of colon cancer.