HISTOPATHOLOGIC FINDINGS IN A CALCIFYING ODONTOGENIC CYST ASSOCIATED WITH ODONTOMA

Calcifying odontogenic cyst containing clusters of ghost cells within ameloblastic epithelium have been associated with other odontogenic tumors. An 8-year-old female patient presented a painless swelling at the right maxilla, resulting in a slight facial asymmetry. Intraoral observation found a swelling affecting gingiva and maxilla. The radiographic and tomographic aspects of the lesion were suggestive of compound odontoma associated with a cyst. The patient underwent surgical removal. Histopathologic analysis revealed a cyst wall was lined with a thin ameloblastomatous epithelium with basal layer consisting of columnar cells. Superficially, the cells were loosely arranged, resembling the stellate reticulum of the enamel organ. Variable numbers of calcified ghost cells were observed. In addition, tooth-like structures were observed. According to the histopathologic features, the diagnosis was odontogenic calcifying cyst with odontoma. The patient is under follow-up, with no signs of recurrence.