Calcifying Cystic Odontogenic Tumor: A Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

The calcifying odontogenic cyst was first described by Gorlin et al in 1962 and has been referred to as “Gorlin’s cyst” or “Calcifying ghost cell odontogenic cyst”. The lesion has cystic as well as tumor-like elements and was termed “calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor” (CCOT) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005. The CCOT is benign; more commonly affects the anterior aspect of jaws and is without gender dominance. Knowledge of its clinical, radiographic, and pathological features is necessary to arrive at a proper diagnosis and management because it resembles other forms of pathology. Diagnosis relies mainly on radiographic features and the histologic presence of ghost cells within the epithelium. We report here a classic case of a CCOT in a 28 year old female.