[Clinical and pathological aspects of some odontogenic tumors and related lesions]

The jaw bones are the most common sites for epithelial cysts and tumors in the human skeleton due to their close relationship to the tooth and odontogenesis. Most of these cysts and tumors have in common an origin from the tissues of tooth formation and constitute a very diverse group of lesions that reflects the complex development of the dental structures. This group of odontogenic lesions occurs predominantly in the jaws, with a predilection for young people. Some aggressive lesions have attracted much attention as they often produce marked facial deformity and tend to recur after insufficient surgery. The most widely quoted classification of odontogenic tumors is that proposed in the WHO booklet published in 1992. There are, however, a number of controversial issues that need to be addressed with respect to clinicopathological subtypings, terminology, and diagnosis which all have direct bearings on therapeutic and/or prognostic implications. In the light of recent publication of the WHO new classification and a series of related studies undertaken by the author's group, this paper is to put together an overview on some of these important aspects related to unicystic ameloblastoma, clear cell odontogenic tumor, calcifying odontogenic cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, ameloblastic fibroma and its related lesions. Consequent upon a better understanding of the nature of these tumors and their variants, the various treatment protocols currently recommended by different surgeons will be better rationalized.