Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Mimicking a Dentigerous Cyst in Maxilla

To present a case of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) associated with impacted maxillary lateral incisor in a 12-year-old female that mimicked dentigerous cyst.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) was first mentioned by Steensland in 1905, which is a rare tumor of odontogenic origin. Dreibladt in 1907 coined the term pseudo ameloblastoma. In 1948, Stafne considered it a distinct pathological entity.

A 12-year-old female reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with the chief complaint of progressive swelling on the left maxillary anterior region for 6 months. The clinical and radiographical findings of the case represented a dentigerous cyst or unicystic ameloblastoma, but the histopathological interpretation was interpreted as AOT.

The AOT is an unusual entity that is commonly misdiagnosed as a dentigerous or odontogenic cyst. Histopathology plays a vital role in diagnosis and further management.

The interest and relevance of the present case are the difficulties in diagnosing accurately based on the radiograph and histopathology. Both dentigerous cysts and AOT are entirely benign and encapsulated lesions, and enucleation poses no major difficulties. The case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis of neoplasm arising in odontogenic tissues. The fact that in cases of unilocular lesions surrounding the impacted tooth in the anterior maxillary region, AOT should also be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Pawar SR, Kshirsagar RA, Purkayastha RS, et al. Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Mimicking a Dentigerous Cyst in Maxilla. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):770-773.