Odontogenic epithelial hamartoma of the gingiva: a case report

A rare case of odontogenic epithelial hamartoma of the gingiva in a 63-year-old Japanese female is reported. This tumor-like lesion probably originated from the reduced tooth-forming tissues such as rests of dental lamina lying dormant in the gingiva after odontogenesis. The differential diagnosis of this lesion from many other odontogenic and glandular tumors is important; however, through careful clinico-pathological examinations, it would not be a very difficult task.