[Histopathology of odontogenic cysts]

Odontogenic cysts present problems of diagnosis, radiology and histopathology. This review of the literature considers the current system of classification and reveals a level of agreement with regard to the major categories of cysts. The term "developmental odontogenic cyst" embraces primordial cysts (or odontogenic keratocysts), gingival cysts (newborn and adult), lateral periodontal cysts, eruption and dentigerous cysts and odontogenic calcified cysts (Gorlin cysts). "Inflammatory odontogenic cyst" includes: the radicular cysts and its etiological variance, residual cysts, inflammatory collateral cysts, periodontal cysts and inflammatory follicular cysts. Clinical symptoms are not in themselves sufficient to differentiate between several of the different categories. A combination of clinical and histopathological evidence is essential if a definitive diagnosis is to be achieved and the risk of carcinoma eliminated. Developmental or inflammatory cysts arise from cells involved in the development of the dental organ.