Calcifying odontogenic cyst

A type of odontogenic cyst

The calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC), also known as the Gorlin cyst, is a rare type of odontogenic cyst that can occur in the jawbone or gingiva. It is characterized by the presence of ghost cells and calcifications within the cystic structure. This cyst is considered to be a developmental anomaly and can present in a variety of clinical forms.

Clinical Presentation

The calcifying odontogenic cyst can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in the second to third decades of life. It has no gender predilection and can occur in both the maxilla and mandible, although it is more frequently found in the anterior regions of the jaws.

Patients with a calcifying odontogenic cyst may present with a painless swelling in the jaw, although some cases may be associated with pain or discomfort. The cyst can cause expansion of the cortical bone and may be associated with an impacted tooth.

Pathology

The calcifying odontogenic cyst is histologically characterized by a cystic lining that contains ghost cells, which are enlarged epithelial cells that have lost their nuclei and have a pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. These ghost cells can undergo calcification, leading to the formation of calcified masses within the cyst.

Relative incidence of odontogenic cysts

The cyst may also contain areas of odontogenic epithelium and may be associated with other odontogenic tumors, such as the odontoma.

Radiographic Features

Radiographically, the calcifying odontogenic cyst appears as a well-defined radiolucency that may contain radiopaque foci due to calcifications. It can be unilocular or multilocular and may cause displacement of adjacent teeth.

Treatment

The treatment of choice for a calcifying odontogenic cyst is surgical enucleation. The prognosis is generally good, with a low recurrence rate after complete removal. In some cases, more aggressive surgical approaches may be necessary if the cyst is associated with other odontogenic tumors.

Related Pages

• Odontogenic cyst
• Odontogenic tumor
• Ghost cell

Calcifying odontogenic cyst

See Also

• Gorlin syndrome
• Ameloblastoma