Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor of the maxilla

A male patient aged 35 years visited the Oral Diagnosis Discipline presenting a mass in the left maxilla. Inspection of the mouth revealed a nodule (measuring 8.0 x 5.0 cm) located on the left maxillary vestibular gingival from the lateral incisor to the second molar (Fig. 1a); it had a soft consistency and a lobulated surface.The patient reported that the lesion had developed within the past 6 months. Radiography revealed a radiolucent area with poorly defined borders and central radiopaque deposits (Fig. 1b). Maxillary vestibular cortical bone expansion and resorption were also evident. These clinical and radiographic findings suggested a cal-cifying odontogenic cyst or a CEOT.An incision biopsy was undertaken and the specimen was sent to the Oral Pathology Laboratory. Histopathology showed islands and cords of polyhedral odontogenic epithelial cells; there was cell pleomorphism and prominent intercellular bridges (Fig. 1c), a significant amount of amyloid-like extracellular deposits, and occasional concentric lamellated calcifica-tions (Liesegang’s rings) (Fig. 1d), typical of Pindborg’s tumor.Surgery was undertaken, including a marginal portion of apparently healthy bone. One year later there are no signs of recurrence.