Peripheral epithelial odontogenic tumors: a review

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Odontogenic neoplasms
• Soft tissue tumors

Background:

• Peripheral odontogenic tumors (POTs) are rare lesions originating in soft tissues overlying tooth-bearing jaw areas.
• Literature review identified 48 documented cases of peripheral epithelial odontogenic tumors (PEOTs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and characterize the incidence and behavior of peripheral epithelial odontogenic tumors.
• To differentiate clinical features and biologic behavior of peripheral ameloblastomas from central counterparts.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of English-language literature on peripheral odontogenic tumors.
• Categorization of reported cases based on histological type: peripheral ameloblastoma, peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, peripheral calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, and peripheral squamous odontogenic tumor.

Main Results:

• Peripheral ameloblastomas constituted the majority (32 cases), followed by peripheral calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors (9 cases), peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (6 cases), and peripheral squamous odontogenic tumors (1 case).
• Peripheral ameloblastomas exhibit distinct clinical features and non-aggressive biologic behavior, lacking bone invasion.
• Peripheral calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors and peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumors also demonstrate benign behavior.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral epithelial odontogenic tumors are rare and generally exhibit benign clinical behavior.
• Conservative surgical excision is the primary treatment for these lesions, with a low recurrence rate.
• Understanding the distinct biologic behavior of peripheral odontogenic tumors is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.