Abstract:

  Background and Aim: Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is an uncommon odontogenic cyst that was first introduced by Gorlin in 1962. Many different terminologies have been applied to cystic and solid variants, but calcifying odontogenic cyst is the preferred term. Little information is available regarding the clinicopathological features of this lesion. The purpose of this study was analysis of clinicopathologic features of COC’s.

  Materials and Methods : This existing data study assessed clinical characteristics as well as microscopic features of 21 registered cases of COC’s. Information such as age, gender of the patients and location of COCs were obtained from the records and their microscopic slides were reviewed.

  Results : Most COCs were found in the mandible (81%) and 76.2% of the cases were located in the posterior regions of the lower jaw. All cases had cystic features (100%) and one was reported to be peripheral. 38.1% of the cases occurred in the second decade and 52.4% were seen in females. Eight cases were associated with odontogenic tumors.

  Conclusion : All lesions were cyctic and over 1/3 of the them were associated with odontogenic tumors. Contrary to other studies, our findings suggest that the lesions are more common in women and are located mostly in the posterior regions of the mandible. Inodepth immunehistochemical as well as histomorphological evaluations are suggested for a better understanding of biological natures of COCs.

  Key words : Calcifying odontogenic cyst, Gorlin cyst, Ghost cell