Glandular odontogenic cyst: analysis of cytokeratin expression and clinicopathological features

The glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare odontogenic cyst which is still controversial in regard to classification, terminology, and origin. The first Japanese case of GOC is reported. Immunohistochemical examination for expression of cytokeratins and epithelial membrane antigen by monoclonal antibodies suggested that the lining epithelium was of odontogenic origin with metaplastic mucus-laden cells. We have reviewed the literature and compared the clinicopathological findings of the reported case of GOC with those of botryoid odontogenic cysts (BOC). The anatomical location, age range, and sex of GOC cases were very similar to those of BOC. GOC appears to be a multiocular and mucoepidermoid variant of non-keratinizing odontogenic cysts, which also includes BOC. GOC should be separated from the other types of odontogenic cyst and central mucoepidermoid tumours of salivary gland origin.