Role of cell block technique as a novel diagnostic approach in odontogenic cysts and ameloblastomas of the jaw region

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) involves puncturing a lesion for microscopic analysis. Smears are prepared using aspirated material for cytology and for cell block (CB) preparation. FNAC is a preoperative technique and does not provide sufficient information for precise diagnosis, and the risk of false diagnosis or intermittent diagnosis always exists. To overcome the deficiencies of FNAC, the CB technique (CBT) is considered a novel innovative technique for odontogenic lesions. The present study is carried out to evaluate the efficacy of CBT in diagnosing odontogenic cystic lesions and ameloblastoma of the jaw and comparing it with aspiration cytology and histopathology. Methods: In this prospective study, 17 patients with clinical diagnosis of odontogenic cysts and ameloblastoma are obtained. FNAC smears and CBs are prepared and compared with cytology and histopathology. Results: A total of 17 cases of odontogenic cysts and ameloblastoma are divided into seven odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), three dentigerous cysts, three radicular cysts and four ameloblastoma. In seven cases of OKC, five cases (71.4%) are showing positive features and two cases (28.6%) are showing negative features. Three dentigerous and three radicular cysts are showing three positive CB features (66.7%) and three negative features (33.3%). Among four cases of ameloblastoma, two cases (50%) are showing positive CB features and two cases (50%) are showing negative features. Conclusion: CB is a novel diagnostic technique in oral pathology for odontogenic cysts, tumors, metastatic tumors and bony lesions. Compared to FNAC, it gives accurate diagnostic architecture and apparent histopathological features. This technique can be used alternative to FNAC.