Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Vol. 48; no. 10; pp. 530 - 533
• Main Authors: SUZUKI, Shintarou, OSHIMA, Aya, TSUNODA, Noritaka, NAGANAWA, Yoshiyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2002
• Subjects: dentigerouscyst; intraosseous carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma
• ISSN: 0021-5163; 2186-1579
• DOI: 10.5794/jjoms.48.530

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst is extremely rare. Diagnosis requires microscopic evidence of the transition from benign cystic epithelium to squamous cell carcinoma. We report a histopathologically documented case of squamous cell carcinoma showing malignant transformation within the wall of a dentigerous cyst. A 43-year-old woman was referred to our department for diffuse swelling of the left cheek associated with a small fistula of the buccal mucosa. Radiographic examination showed a round translucent image containing an impacted tooth in the left side of the maxilla. Squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by excisional biopsy, and partial maxillectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens showed transition of the normal cystic epithelium to squamous cell carcinoma. The patient has been followed up for 4 years 5 months, with no evidence of recurrence.