GORLIN CYST WITH ATYPICAL PRESENTATION: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A partially edentulous 56-year-old woman presented an asymptomatic and slow growing swelling in the left posterior maxillary alveolar ridge. Examination of a panoramic X-ray showed a multilocular mixed radiolucent lesion exhibiting radiopaque structures and poorly defined borders. A hypothesis of odontogenic cyst X odontogenic tumor was formulated, and an excisional biopsy followed by curettage were performed. The histopathologic analysis revealed a connective tissue fibrous capsule lined by odontogenic epithelium characterized by columnar cells resembling ameloblasts and with the presence of ghost cells and areas showing deposits of calcifying dentinoid/enameloid-like material. Based on the abovementioned characteristics, a diagnosis of Gorlin cyst was reported. The patient presented no signs of recurrence after 84 months of follow up. The occurrence of cases with atypical presentation highlights the importance of the histopathologic exam for accurate diagnosis. A partially edentulous 56-year-old woman presented an asymptomatic and slow growing swelling in the left posterior maxillary alveolar ridge. Examination of a panoramic X-ray showed a multilocular mixed radiolucent lesion exhibiting radiopaque structures and poorly defined borders. A hypothesis of odontogenic cyst X odontogenic tumor was formulated, and an excisional biopsy followed by curettage were performed. The histopathologic analysis revealed a connective tissue fibrous capsule lined by odontogenic epithelium characterized by columnar cells resembling ameloblasts and with the presence of ghost cells and areas showing deposits of calcifying dentinoid/enameloid-like material. Based on the abovementioned characteristics, a diagnosis of Gorlin cyst was reported. The patient presented no signs of recurrence after 84 months of follow up. The occurrence of cases with atypical presentation highlights the importance of the histopathologic exam for accurate diagnosis.