Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: clinicopathological analysis of 34 cases from Karachi, Pakistan

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a benign slow-growing neoplasm of odontogenic epithelial origin that is relatively uncommon. Only a few studies have described its histological features. Hence, we aimed to describe the clinicopathological features of AOT in a cohort of patients.

AOT cases diagnosed between 2009 and 2024 were searched electronically. Glass slides were retrieved from archives and were reviewed by two pathologists to record the associated morphological features. Other data including patient demographics and tumor site were collected by reviewing histopathology reports.

The age of patients ranged from 9 to 44 years (mean, 17.7 years), and most were female (55.9%). The maxilla (44.1%) was the most common tumor site. Histologically, a predominantly solid growth pattern (n = 34) accompanied by ducts with a cuboidal/columnar epithelial lining (n = 31), eosinophilic secretions (n = 31), calcifications (n = 31), lattice work pattern (n = 30), and cystic areas (n = 20) were observed. Less frequent features included calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT)-like areas (n = 13), osteodentin (n = 6), association with impacted tooth (n = 3), mucin in tubules (n = 7), fibrocollagenous stroma (n = 6), mucin in ducts (n = 3) and ossifying fibroma-like areas (n = 6). The association of ducts with a cuboidal/columnar epithelial lining, lattice work pattern, calcifications, and eosinophilic secretions with gingival tumors was statistically significant (p ≤ .05). Additionally, tooth tumors were significantly associated with CEOT-like areas (p = .03).

Our study confirms the trends in the clinicopathological features of AOT in previous case reports. Our results suggest that AOTs usually exhibit a predominantly solid pattern with duct-like spaces. Only a few cases with CEOT-like and ossifying fibroma-like areas were observed, similar to infrequent cases reported in the past.