Gelatinous tumour of mandible: a report of three cases and review

Odontogenic myxomas arebenign neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis with a characteristic histologic appearance, often associated with locally aggressive & infiltrative fashion. Odontogenic myxomas represent 1% to 17.7% of all odontogenic tumors. Odontogenic myxoma commonly occurs in the second and third decade, and the mandible involved more commonly than the maxilla. They are believed to be derived from primitive mesenchymal portion of developing tooth germ as an inductive effect of nests of Odontogenic epithelium on mesenchymal tissue or as a direct myxomatous change of fibrous tissue. Characteristic histopathological feature are loosely arranged spindle cells to stellate cells with lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm in a mucoid rich, intercellular matrix. An occasional active odontogenic islands or inactive islands are found infrequently but probably represents residual rests rather than a integral part of neoplasm. Radiographically most of the multilocular myxomas are expansile & greater than 4 cms where as unilocular tend to be smaller in diameter & presents as fine, bony trabaculae within its interior structure expressing a 'tennis racket' appearance. Only 5% of myxomas are associated with unerupted tooth. Herein, we are presenting three case reports of odontogenic myxomas occurring in second decade of life in mandible.