Differential diagnosis between cyst and tumor. Dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma containing teeth.

Abstract

A study was conducted on 21 cases of ameloblastoma (a type of tumor containing an embedded tooth) and 87 cases of dentigerous cyst. The former cases were selected from among those which had been diagnosed histopathologically. Using radiographs of these lesions, the following parameters were measured: 1) the distance between the cement-enamel junction of the embedded tooth and its attachment to the cystic wall; 2) the area of the radiolucent image (similar to the area with a cystic appearance). From measurements of the former parameter, it appeared that the embedded tooth extends more toward the root apex in ameloblastoma than in dentigerous cyst, whereas the latter parameter indicated that the radiolucent area varies in size slightly in ameloblastoma, but tends to be smaller in dentigerous cyst. Moreover, with regard to clustering between ameloblastoma and dentigerous cyst, no definite tendency was detected on distance, whereas only ameloblastoma without dentigerous cyst was seen above 20 cm2 of area.

Dentigerous cyst versus unicystic ameloblastoma – differential diagnosis in routine histology

“…Based on our clinical experience, we felt that the larger the lesion the higher is the probability of aggressive behaviour. Other authors found that the radiolucent area in the panoramic X‐ray tends to be smaller in cases of dentigerous cysts than in cases of ameloblastoma (31).…”

A 5 year retrospective study of biopsied jaw lesions with the assessment of concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnoses

“…It is recognized that the radiological appearances of cysts and tumors related to an impacted tooth are similar and there is no definitive method in the differential diagnosis. [ 64 ] Bailey[ 65 ] was first to report dentigerous cyst with an ameloblastoma and then cystic lesions involving ameloblastomas reported in the studies thus far. [ 66 67 68 69 ] Although some subtypes of ameloblastoma, such as unicystic ameloblastoma, have a good prognosis and simple enucleation is the adequate treatment, all of the cystic lesions must be examined histopathologically, not to miss other subtypes such as solid or mural ameloblastoma.…”

Maxillary unicystic ameloblastoma: a rare presentation

“…UAM rarely occurs in the anterior maxilla and is often found around the third molar in the mandible 3. In addition, careful interpretation of radiographic images and histopathological examination are required since the clinical findings of tooth-containing ameloblastoma and DC are very similar and, therefore, often difficult to differentiate 10…”