[Calcifying odontogenic epithelial tumor or Pindborg's tumor. Apropos of a case]

Calcifying odontogenic epithelial tumor is a rare affection, representing only 1% of all odontogenic tumors. Histology shows polyedral epithelial cells, organised in layers, strands or nests or, more rarely present as individual cells. The cell nuclei are polymorphic and hyperchromatic with projecting nucleoli. An amorphous substance presenting specific immunohistochemical characteristics surrounds the cellular elements. It appears to be related to amyloid and is also considered to be the product of degeneration of the cell basal lamina and/or the product similar to the dentine or cement of the tumor cells. Surgical treatment varies from simple enucleation to more or less partial resection of the affected bone.