ASSESSMENT OF BIOLOGICALLY AGGRESSIVE, RECURRENT GLANDULAR ODONTOGENIC CYSTS FOR MASTERMIND-LIKE 2 REARRANGEMENTS: HISTOPATHOLOGIC AND FLUORESCENT IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION FINDINGS OF ELEVEN CASES

Abstract

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental cyst with propensity for aggressive behavior and recurrences. While distinct, some histopathologic features of GOC may overlap with those of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (IMEC), an uncommon malignant primary salivary gland neoplasm of the gnathic bones. Previous studies have shown that GOCs lack the specific mastermind-like 2 (MAML2) gene rearrangements found in IMECs. This study is designed to evaluate the presence of MAML2 rearrangements in biologically aggressive GOCs and their possible potential for transition to IMEC. In addition, this study reviews histopathologic guidelines for the diagnosis of GOCs.