GLANDULAR ODONTOGENIC CYST: A REPORT OF A CASE

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental cyst, comprising less than 1.0% of the jaws cysts. We report a case of a 45-year-old Caucasian male, presenting with a slight painless swelling in the posterior region of the mandible. Cone beam computed tomography revealed a well-defined hypodense lesion, approximately 3.2 × 2.2 cm, involving the tooth 48. An incisional biopsy was performed, and microscopic examinations revealed multiple pathologic cavities lined by odontogenic epithelium of variable thickness, presenting small duct-like structures and occasional goblet cells, surrounded by a fibrous capsule. The diagnosis was GOC. Cystic marsupialization was carried out, and clear regression of the lesion is observed after 9 months’ follow-up. Because of the aggressive biologic behavior, a correct diagnosis of GOC is essential to ensure the proper management of the lesion. As the diagnosis of GOC may be challenging, we provide a discussion of the histopathologic criteria of differential diagnosis.