Squamous cell carcinoma in a maxillary odontogenic keratocyst

Abstract

The epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts (OC) can undergo simple cystic expansion, keratinization, mucous prosoplasia, or dysplastic transformation. The most common neoplasms arising from the lining of odontogenic cysts are benign odontogenic tumors such as odontoma, calcifying odontogenic tumor, glandular odontogenic tumor, ameloblastic fibroma, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor. 1 Eversole LB Sabes WR Rovin S Aggressive growth and neoplastic potential of odontogenic cysts with special reference to central epidermoid and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Cancer. 1975; 35: 270 Crossref PubMed Scopus (205) Google Scholar , 2 Siar CH Ng KH Squamous cell carcinoma in an orthokeratinised odontogenic keratocyst. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1987; 16: 95 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar However, it is well known that the lining of an odontogenic cyst may transform into mucoepidermoid carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). 1 Eversole LB Sabes WR Rovin S Aggressive growth and neoplastic potential of odontogenic cysts with special reference to central epidermoid and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Cancer. 1975; 35: 270 Crossref PubMed Scopus (205) Google Scholar , 3 Gardner AF The odontogenic cyst as a potential carcinoma: A clinicopathologic appraisal. J Am Dent Assoc. 1969; 78: 746 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (95) Google Scholar , 4 MacLeod RI Soames JV Squamous cell carcinoma arising in an odontogenic keratocyst. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1988; 26: 52 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (39) Google Scholar These 2 entities usually present with clinical and radiographic features similar to benign, expansile, central, odontogenic tumors or cysts of the jaws. Paresthesia and lymphadenopathy are uncommon. On radiologic examination, they appear similar to the cystic lesions from which they arose. 1 Eversole LB Sabes WR Rovin S Aggressive growth and neoplastic potential of odontogenic cysts with special reference to central epidermoid and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Cancer. 1975; 35: 270 Crossref PubMed Scopus (205) Google Scholar , 3 Gardner AF The odontogenic cyst as a potential carcinoma: A clinicopathologic appraisal. J Am Dent Assoc. 1969; 78: 746 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (95) Google Scholar Most of these entities are located in the mandibular third molar region. 1 Eversole LB Sabes WR Rovin S Aggressive growth and neoplastic potential of odontogenic cysts with special reference to central epidermoid and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Cancer. 1975; 35: 270 Crossref PubMed Scopus (205) Google Scholar