Extensive calcifying odontogenic cyst of the mandible: A case report with review of the literature

Abstract

Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is a rare benign odontogenic lesion that shows extreme diversity in its clinical and histopathological features. It affects the maxilla or mandible or can occur extraosseously in the gingiva. However, the true nature of this lesion remains controversial. Majority of all intraosseous COCs are cystic. The lesion has a wide age distribution. But, most central COCs occur during the second and third decades of life. Histological features of classic COC are characteristic and include a fibrous capsule and a lining of odontogenic epithelium and a unique group of large, ballooning, pale eosinophilic ghost cells with a tendency to undergo keratinization and calcification. Here, we present a case of extensive COC involving body and ramus of the mandible in a 14-year-old male, and microscopically highlight its cystic architecture, along with discussion on ghost cells.