Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst is a rare lesion with distinct histopathology and stringent criteria for diagnosis.
1,2
During the past century, <60 cases have been reported.
3
Of the previously documented cases, all have occurred in adults. We present the case of a squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst in a 16-month-old girl. This case poses interesting questions regarding the pathophysiology of these tumors and highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion regardless of age when evaluating cystic lesions of the mandible and maxilla.
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References
1.
GardnerAF.The odontogenic cyst as a potential carcinoma: A clinicopathologic appraisal. J Am Dent Assoc1969;78:746–55.
2.
WaldronCMustoeT.Primary intraosseous carcinoma of the mandible with probable origin in an odontogenic cyst. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol1989;67:716–24.
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ManganaroAMCrossSEStartzellJM.Carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst with neck metastasis. Head Neck1997;19:436–9.
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JohnsonLMSappJPMcIntireDN.Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst. J Oral Maxillofac Surg1994;52:987–90.
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MaxymiwWGWoodRE.Carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst: A case report and review of the literature. J Oral Maxillofac Surg1991;49:639–43.
