title: Osteoblastoma in the retromolar region - Report of an unusual case and Review of literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Benign osteoblastoma is a rare tumor of bone representing less than 1% of all tumors of the maxillofacial region. There is a slight predilection for the mandible. More frequent sites for this tumor are the vertebral column, sacrum, long bones, and calvarium. A small predilection in males exists. The age of occurrence ranges from 5 to 37 years, with an average of 16.5. Clinically, patients have pain and swelling. The tumor contains a well-vascularized, osteoblastic connective tissue stroma. Osteoclasts may also be present. Osteoid with varying degrees of calcification, as well as immature bone, is noted.
  
  
  METHODS
  Very few cases of osteoblastomas occurring in the jaws have been reported in the literature. This is one such a rare case report of OB occurring in a 45 year old female patient with a swelling in right lower back region since 5 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Osteoblastoma has to be differentiated from other bone lesions for correct diagnosis. Many bone producing lesions possess some overlapping clinical, radiographic or histopathological findings similar to osteoblastoma. Understanding and correlating all these features is of utmost importance. This helps in correctly diagnosing and helps in adequate management of this rare entity, giving a good prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, K.M. Shah Dental College & Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University, Piparia-391760, Waghodia Road, Vadodara, Gujarat.
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahajan
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, K.M. Shah Dental College & Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University, Piparia-391760, Waghodia Road, Vadodara, Gujarat.
authors.forename: Prachur
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, K.M. Shah Dental College & Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University, Piparia-391760, Waghodia Road, Vadodara, Gujarat.
authors.forename: Kiran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Desai
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ITS-CDSR, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad.
authors.forename: Ruchi Pathak
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Kaul
keywords: Gnathic; Osteobalstoma; Osteoid osteoma; Retromolar region