2023 Volume 69 Issue 2 Pages 38-42
We report a case of an odontogenic cyst which developed from a malformed tooth in a six-year-old boy. Preoperative radiography and computed tomography revealed that the cystic lesion was 30 x 25 mm in diameter, with a mixed radiolucent and radiopaque lesion. Upon the provisional diagnosis of odontogenic cyst, the lesion was surgically removed under general anesthesia. Macroscopic analysis showed a cystic lesion with tooth-like hard tissue. Histopathological inspection revealed an inverted malformed tooth with a cyst covered in enamel epithelium. The pathological diagnosis was an odontogenic cyst suspected of being dentigerous. Because of atypical findings in both clinical and X-ray imaging, it was difficult to make an accurate diagnosis before operation. About 18 months have passed since the operation, and no complication has been observed. The patient made favorable progress after the surgery. The pathogenesis of the malformed tooth and its role in cyst formation is still unclear, because only three similar cases have been reported to date. Therefore, we inferred the origins of the cyst based on the etiology of odontogenic cysts in the past. A greater accumulation of cases and analyses will be required to form a general opinion. Moreover, additional cooperation of clinician and pathologist teams will be necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis.
