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3. Explain the role of induction in the formation of dental hard tissues in the mixed
epithelial and connective tissue neoplasms.
● formation of tooth germs from dental lamina through induction
4. List the key features of the ameloblastoma.
● Derived from ameloblasts lining the tooth follicle
● Most commonly occurs in the posterior mandible
● Can reach large proportions and cause facial deformity
● Has various subtypes including conventional, unicystic, peripheral/extraosseous,
adenomatoid, and desmoplastic
● Radiologically seen as large multilocular areas causing root resorption and
expansion of the jaw in adult types, and as a single lucent locule in unicystic
types
● Histological patterns include follicular, plexiform, acanthomatous, granular cell,
basal cell, and desmoplastic
● Can metastasize to the lungs in rare cases.
13. List the key features of the calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour.
● Characterised by sheets, islands, nests, or cords of epithelial cells surrounded by
a mature fibrous connective stroma [2]
● Eosinophilic and polyhedral epithelial cells with sharply defined borders and
distinct intercellular bridging [2]
● May contain calcifications in the form of amyloid or psammoma bodies [3]
● May be associated with impacted teeth, and often involves the mandible,
particularly in the premolar-molar region
14. Describe the common clinical and radiological features of the adenomatoid
odontogenic tumour.
● Radiographically, AOT presents as an expansile radiolucency with
well-circumscribed margins, often around an unerupted or impacted tooth, most
commonly in the maxilla. It may also contain a variable amount of punctate
calcifications [1]. The most common site for AOT is the anterior maxilla,
particularly around an unerupted canine tooth, in teenage females
15. Describe the main histological features of the adenomatoid odontogenic tumour
and identify these in images.
● The main histological features of AOT include a well-circumscribed central
proliferation of ductlike epithelium surrounding small foci of calcification. The
epithelium may have rosettes, trabecular or cribriform patterns, and
columnar-type cells with basal nuclei and clear cytoplasm, which may resemble
pre-ameloblasts
● https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/mandiblemaxillaadenomatoid.html
16. Explain the key elements of the clear cell odontogenic carcinoma.
● Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare malignant odontogenic
tumour that was first described by Hansen in 1985.
● It is the fifth most common malignant odontogenic tumour and is characterised by
clear cells, which have a cytoplasmic accumulation of water, glycogen,
mucopolysaccharides, mucin, lipids, or other material that is not stained by
Haematoxylin or Eosin [3].
● CCOC can be challenging to diagnose and may present with a range of
symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or an asymptomatic mass in the jaw [1].
● The tumour typically affects middle-aged adults, and it has a slightly higher
prevalence in females than males.
● The most common location for the tumour is the mandible, particularly in the
molar region
17. List the key features of the calcifying (ghost cell) odontogenic cyst/tumour.
● Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) and dentinogenic ghost cell tumour (DGCT)
are two different entities that can present ghost cells as a characteristic feature.
Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is a malignant epithelial tumours that
exhibits similar features to COC or DGCT
● COC is classified into three types based on histological features [3]. Type 1A
COC presents ghost cells and dentinoid, Type 1B shows calcified tissues in the
cyst wall with dystrophic calcification, and Type 1C shows features similar to an
ameloblastic fibroma
● DGCT presents ghost cells, dysplastic dentin, and dentinoid as its main features
● GCOC is classified as an odontogenic carcinoma with features of COC or DGCT
18. Describe the common clinical and radiological features of the calcifying (ghost
cell) odontogenic cyst/tumour.
● Clinically, these lesions may present as a painless swelling or an asymptomatic
finding on radiographic examination.
● Radiographically, the lesion may present as a well-defined unilocular or
multilocular radiolucency with or without calcifications, which may exhibit a
characteristic "honeycomb" or "soap bubble" appearance. These calcifications
may appear as curvilinear or globular radiopacities
19. Describe the main histological features of the calcifying (ghost cell) odontogenic
cyst/tumour and identify these in images.
● COC is characterised by the presence of ghost cells, which are eosinophilic cells
that lack nuclei and contain areas of calcification. The cyst wall is composed of
connective tissue that may contain varying amounts of fibrous tissue, hyalinized
material, and occasional odontogenic epithelial rests [1]. DGCT is a rare
odontogenic tumour with ghost cells, which is composed of epithelial cells
resembling ameloblasts and dentinogenic cells, along with ghost cells, which are
formed due to keratinization of epithelial cells [3].
● GCOC is a neoplastic condition that has features of COC or DGCT but exhibits
malignant behaviour. The ghost cells in GCOC are pleomorphic and irregular in
shape, often forming clusters, and they exhibit bizarre nuclei. The tumour exhibits
a highly infiltrative growth pattern with varying amounts of dysplastic odontogenic
epithelium and calcification
● https://radiopaedia.org/articles/dentinogenic-ghost-cell-tumour
● https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/mandiblemaxillaghostcellodontogeniccar
cinoma.html
20. Explain the key elements of the squamous odontogenic tumour.
● Squamous odontogenic tumour (SOT) is a rare, benign odontogenic tumour of
the jawbones that is locally infiltrative and has been known to exhibit histologic
overlap with other pathologic entities such as ameloblastomas and squamous
cell carcinomas.
● SOT is composed of islands of well-differentiated squamous epithelium of varying
shape and size and is believed to originate from the rests of Malassez
● SOTs are generally reported in adults, but cases have been observed in
individuals of all ages, including children
21. List the key features of the ameloblastic fibroma
● Ameloblastic fibroma is a benign mixed odontogenic tumours of odontogenic
epithelium and mesenchymal tissue that arises from dental tissues that grow into
teeth.
● It is characterised by the proliferation of both odontogenic epithelium and
mesenchymal tissue without the formation of enamel or dentin [1].
● The neoplastic epithelium is arranged in small islands and long, narrow,
anastomosing cords, and includes a peripheral layer of columnar cells and a
central zone of loosely arranged, stellate reticulum-like cells [3].
● Ameloblastic fibroma is generally considered to be less aggressive than
ameloblastoma
22. Describe the common clinical and radiological features of the ameloblastic
fibroma without or with formation of calcifying dental tissues.
● When the AF does not produce dental tissue, it presents as an unilocular lucent
mandibular lesion, commonly in the posterior mandible, associated with impacted
teeth and centred on the unerupted crown. It is painless and leads to delayed
tooth eruption in the affected region. It has a prevalence of 0-3.4% among
odontogenic tumours in different regions [2].
● On the other hand, if AF produces calcifying dental tissue, it is referred to as an
ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO). AFO is characterised by the formation of
calcified dental tissue, and it is also usually associated with impacted teeth.
● Radiographically, it presents as a mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesion, and it
may cause facial asymmetry and delayed eruption of the associated tooth
23. Explain the relationship between the ameloblastic fibroma and the ameloblastic
fibro-dentinoma and the ameloblastic fibro-odontoma.
● Ameloblastic fibroma (AF), ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma (AFD), and ameloblastic
fibro-odontoma (AFO) are three related benign mixed odontogenic tumours [1].
AFD and AFO were previously considered separate entities from AF, but recent
changes in the World Health Organization classification system have placed
them all under the same heading of AF [3].
● AF and AFD are similar in that they are both composed of odontogenic
epithelium and mesenchymal tissue, but AFD additionally contains mineralized
dental tissues such as dentin and enamel [1]. On the other hand, AFO is a more
complex lesion that is composed of all the components of AFD plus additional
dental tissues such as enamel and cementum [3].
● Despite the similarities, there are some differences in their clinical and
radiographic features. AF typically presents as a unilocular radiolucency in the
mandible, usually associated with impacted teeth and embryonic connective
tissue [1]. AFD presents similarly but is often associated with the formation of
dental hard tissues [1]. AFO is characterised by a radiolucent area with varying
amounts of radio-opaque material, representing dental tissues such as enamel,
dentin, and cementum
24. Describe the main histological features of the ameloblastic fibroma without or with
formation of calcifying dental tissues (ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma and the
ameloblastic fibro-odontoma) and identify these in images.
● Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a benign neoplasm of odontogenic origin that is
composed of epithelium and mesenchyme. The lesion appears radiolucent and
can be unilocular or multilocular, usually with a sclerotic rim [1]. Histologically, AF
consists of small islands and cords of markedly attenuated ameloblastic
epithelium that are two cells thick within dense collagenous stroma that is often
immature. There may be occasional dentin or cementum production and stellate
reticulum, and also a granular cell variant. These histological features can be
visualised through microscopic images [2].
● Ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma (AFD) and ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) are
also benign mixed odontogenic tumours, but with the formation of calcifying
dental tissues. AFD is a rare tumour that is mostly seen in children and young
adults. The histology of AFD is similar to that of AF, with the addition of
dentin-like calcifications in the stroma, and the presence of cuboidal to columnar
odontogenic epithelium with a palisaded basal cell layer [1]. In AFO, the tumour
can develop into a fully formed odontoma when dental hard tissues form
27. Describe the common clinical and radiological features of the odontogenic
myxoma.
● Odontogenic myxomas are rare tumours that usually involve the mandible or
maxilla and account for 3-6% of odontogenic tumours. They are typically seen in
the 2nd to 3rd decades of life, slightly earlier than ameloblastomas, and are
usually not painful [1].
● In terms of radiographic features, odontogenic myxomas are described as
well-circumscribed, multilocular, and often expansile lesions that can cause
resorption of adjacent teeth or roots. They are characterised by a radiolucent or
mixed radiolucent-radiopaque appearance and have been likened to a soap
bubble or honeycomb appearance. The cortical bone surrounding the lesion may
also appear thinned or expanded [1, 2].
● Clinical and radiographic features of odontogenic myxomas may overlap with
those of other odontogenic tumours, making diagnosis challenging
28. Describe the histological features of the odontogenic myxoma and identify these
in images. Explain why the myxoma requires aggressive treatment.
● Histologically, the tumour is characterised by a myxoid or fibromyxoid stroma with
spindled cells and clusters of odontogenic epithelium [1]. Radiographically, OM
appears as a well-defined, multilocular or unilocular radiolucency with a thin or
expanded cortex. The lesion is often described as having a "soap bubble" or
"tennis racquet strings" appearance [2][3].
● The reason why OM requires aggressive treatment is that although it is a benign
tumour, it has the potential for local invasiveness and destruction of bone. OM
can cause significant facial deformity and functional impairment, particularly
when it affects the mandible. In addition, the recurrence rate of OM is relatively
high, ranging from 10% to 30%, even after complete surgical removal. Therefore,
treatment usually involves complete surgical excision of the tumour with a margin
of healthy tissue, followed by long-term follow-up
● Radiological features:
○ Well-circumscribed, radiopaque lesion with a radiolucent halo surrounding
it
○ Sclerotic border with a "target-like" appearance on radiographs
○ Root resorption or displacement of the adjacent teeth
○ Surrounding bone is not destroyed and the tooth socket is expanded
○ Tooth is fused with the tumour, and the roots are not clearly visible
○ May have a radiopaque line between the tumour and tooth, which
represents the cemental layer that separates the tumour from the tooth
32. Describe the histological features of the cementoblastoma and identify these in
images.
● Histologically, it is characterised by a well-circumscribed mass of cementum-like
tissue surrounded by a layer of fibrous connective tissue. The tumour mass
shows hyperplasia of cementoblasts with a uniform population of cells and is
separated from the surrounding bone by a thin layer of connective tissue. The
cementoblasts are arranged in cords, trabeculae, and irregular masses, and are
surrounded by a fibrous stroma containing blood vessels and osteoclast-like giant
cells. The cementoblasts may exhibit varying degrees of mineralization, with
some cells producing a more basophilic, immature matrix and others producing a
more eosinophilic, mature matrix. Osteoid or bone formation may also be seen
within the tumour mass
33. Explain the hamartomatous nature of the odontomes.
● They are developmental anomalies that result in the formation of an irregular
mixture of normal dental tissues that have failed to develop properly. Odontoma
may be composed of a disorganised mass of enamel, dentin, cementum, and
pulp tissue, which are the normal constituents of teeth. They arise from the
proliferation of remnants of dental epithelium and/or mesenchyme that remain
active in the jaw after tooth formation has been completed. The exact cause of
odontoma is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to genetic factors,
environmental factors, or a combination of both.
34. List the key features of the odontomes.
● Odontoma are considered hamartomas, which means they are developmental
malformations rather than true neoplasms.
● They are composed of normal dental tissues, such as enamel, dentin, cementum,
and pulp.
● Odontoma can be classified into two types: compound and complex.
● Compound odontoma consist of many small tooth-like structures, while complex
odontoma are irregular masses of dental tissues.
● They usually occur in the maxilla and can cause delayed eruption of adjacent
teeth.
● Odontoma can be asymptomatic and are often discovered on routine
radiographs.
● Treatment involves surgical excision of the lesion, followed by management of
any associated dental anomalies
35. Describe and explain the differences between the compound and complex
odontomes, common clinical and radiological features and he macroscopic and
histological features
Feature Compound Complex
36. Explain the relationship between the dilated and invaginated odontome and the
compound and complex odontomes respectively.
● Dilated odontomas are a type of odontoma that occur infrequently and
can affect any area of the dental arches. They are characterised by a
cystic expansion of the enamel organ, which results in the formation of a
large, thin-walled cavity that is filled with fluid and may contain small
amounts of calcified material.
● Dens invaginatus, also known as dens in dente, is another developmental
anomaly that occurs during odontogenesis. It results from the
invagination of a portion of the dental crown within the enamel organ,
leading to the formation of a deep, enamel-lined pit. Dens invaginatus can
be classified into three types based on the depth of the invagination and
the extent of the deformity
37. Explain the relationship of the complex (“gestant”) odontome and the
dens-in-dente.
● Dens-in-dente, also known as dens invaginatus, is a developmental anomaly
resulting from invagination of a portion of crown forming within the enamel organ
during odontogenesis.