Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a relatively rare benign non-invasive odontogenic lesion, which can be subdivided into three variants: follicular, extrafollicular, and peripheral. The follicular type typically shows a well-defined unilocular radiolucency associated with the crown and often part of the root of an unerupted tooth, thus mimicking a dentigerous (follicular) cyst. We report a rare case of follicular type AOT with a funicular structure.
A 14-year-old girl was referred for further evaluation of a cystic radiolucent lesion of the mandible. Radiographic examination showed an unilocular radiolucent lesion with focal calcification, including an impacted right permanent canine with an unusual funicular structure that extended to the alveolar crest. We enucleated the lesion and the impacted canine under general anesthesia. Histological examination revealed conspicuous nests or rosettelike structures, as well as a tubular or duct-like appearance formed by cuboidal or columnar cells and calcified structures. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of AOT with an impacted right permanent canine. We speculated that a nutrient canal might be related to the formation of the unusual funicular structure of this tumor.
