Maxillary ameloblastoma extending into the sinonasal tract

Abstract Maxillary ameloblastomas can extensively expand into the paranasal sinuses or even the nasal cavity due to a slow growth pattern. Sinusitis is rarely the first tumor-related complaint. Due to the various growth forms of ameloblastomas the challenging histological differential diagnosis includes several other odontogenic as well as benign and malignant non-odontogenic tumors, e.g. tumors from the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and Rathke's pouch. Despite the radical surgical approach a complete resection with wide margins cannot always be achieved. Maxillary ameloblastomas show the highest recurrence rates.