Immunohistochemical characteristics of cystic odontogenic lesions: a comparative study

Cystic ameloblastoma, keratocystic odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cyst, and radicular cyst are the most commonly encountered cystic odontogenic lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of survivin, E-cadherin, CD138, and CD38 in these lesions and their potential diagnostic usage.

A total of 20 cases, consisting 5 radicular cysts, 5 dentigerous cysts, 5 keratocystic odontogenic tumors and 5 cystic ameloblastomas were included in our series. For all cases, sections from the selected blocks were stained against the antibodies for survivin, E-cadherin, CD138, and CD38 on an automated device.

All cystic ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumors showed diffuse and strong nuclear survivin expression. No specific survivin immunoreactivity was observed in the dentigerous and radicular cysts. E-cadherin expression was stronger in all dentigerous cysts and radicular cysts when compared to others. CD138 expression in stromal cells was prominent in cystic ameloblastomas, but gradually decreased in the other three lesions. All cases were negative for CD38.

In the present study, loss of E-cadherin expression in epithelial cells, strong CD138 expression in stromal cells and strong nuclear survivin expression both in epithelial and stromal cells in cystic ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumors were the most remarkable findings. These findings are also reinforced by the studies suggesting their role in the aggressiveness and pathogenesis of these tumors.