Clear cell variant of extraosseous calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor: a case report

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) is a benign epithelial odontogenic tumor occurring most frequently in the posterior part of the lower jaw. Extraosseous CEOT is one of the rarest forms of this tumor, and few such cases involving the maxillary gingiva have been reported in the literature. Here we present a case that showed progressive enlargement in the left maxillary gingival area over a period of 11 years. Clinical examination showed an ulcerated mass measuring 52 x 38 mm located adjacent to the lateral incisor and canine. Histologically, the tumor showed proliferation of sheets and cords of epithelial cells with granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei. In other areas, the epithelial cells exhibited a clear, vacuolated cytoplasm and foci of eosinophilic, homogeneous material representing amyloid deposition. The present case of extraosseous CEOT with clear cells was considered to be a very rare form of this tumor.