Odontogenic Myxoma
A benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumour of ectomesenchymal origin, characterised by a myxoid stroma with sparse stellate or spindle-shaped cells and scant collagen.
Full Definition
Odontogenic myxoma is considered to arise from the mesenchymal components of the tooth-forming apparatus, principally the dental papilla or follicle. It presents most often in the mandible of young adults, causing cortical expansion and a characteristic soap-bubble or honeycomb radiographic pattern. Despite its benign histological appearance, it is locally infiltrative and has a high recurrence rate after conservative surgery. Editors should note that 'myxofibroma' and 'odontogenic myxofibroma' are synonymous variants when collagen content is more prominent. The term should not be confused with soft-tissue myxomas unrelated to the odontogenic apparatus.
Usage
Usage note: The term 'myxofibroma' may appear in older literature as a synonym; note its equivalence when editing comparative or historical texts. Do not shorten to 'myxoma' without the odontogenic qualifier in jaw-tumour contexts.
In Context
- "The CT report described a honeycomb radiolucency in the posterior mandible, and subsequent biopsy confirmed odontogenic myxoma." — Radiology-pathology correlation report
- "The editor queried the author's use of 'myxoma' without qualification, as the journal's style required the full term 'odontogenic myxoma' to distinguish it from cardiac or soft-tissue variants." — Journal manuscript copy-editing