Glandular Odontogenic Cyst Presenting as a Dentigerous Cyst: A Case Report

Abstract

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) was first described by Gardner et al in 1988 as a distinct entity in the developmental cysts of the jaws. A year before publication of the article, Padayachee and Van Wyk described the microscopic features of those cysts using the term, “sialo-odontogenic cyst.” This cyst is documented in the list of histologic typing of odontogenic tumors by the World Health Organization with the terms “glandular odontogenic cyst” or “sialo-odontogenic cyst.” Glandular odontogenic cyst is a rare pathology, reported in just over 50 cases in literature. According to Magnusson et al, only 0.012% of the cysts seen in the oral cavity have fulfilled the criteria for GOC microscopically. Clinically, the most common site of occurrence is the mandible (85%), especially in the anterior region. Glandular odontogenic cyst occurs primarily in middle-aged people (46.7% and 50% for males and females, respectively). A slight predilection for men can be seen, with a female-to-male ratio of 19:28.An asymptomatic, slow-growing swelling is observed frequently. Radiologically, these cysts may be unilocular or multilocular with a well-defined border. Histologically, GOC is characterized by a cyst wall lining of non-keratinized epithelium, with papillary projections, nodular thickenings, mucous filled clefts, and “mucous lakes.” It also includes cuboidal basal cells, sometimes vacuolated. Treatment of GOC includes curettage and enucleation, although some authors believe marginal resection to be a more reliable treatment due to a tendency of the cyst to recur after enucleation or curettage. The aim of this study is to present an extensive case of GOC that initial diagnosis clinically and radiologically presented as a dentigerous cyst that arose from an impacted canine in the mandible.