LAUSR

OBJECTIVES Compare recognized microscopic parameters, including variations in width, plaque- like thickenings, intra-epithelial microcysts, clefts, mucous, hob-nail, ciliated and clear cells, between glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) and GOC-like cysts, investigate the extent of cyst circumference exhibiting these features, and inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Archival records of cysts with histological features of GOC evaluated between 2000-2020 were retrieved. Slides were revised, and expression of features throughout the cyst wall was analyzed. Cysts with at least 5 features were classified as GOC, cysts with 3-4 features as GOC-like. RESULTS The study included 74 cysts, 47 males M, 25 females (2 unknown gender), aged 19-81 years, 62 (83.8%) GOC, 12 (16.2%) GOC-like. Mandible was involved in 44 (59.5%), maxilla in 30 (40.5%), 18 (25%) were associated with unerupted teeth. Cyst classified as GOC had significantly higher rates of all parameters investigated, (except ciliated and clear cells), than GOC-like cysts ( p< 0.05). 26 (40.6%) cases showed GOC features in >50% of cyst circumference, 21 (32.8%) involved 25-50%, 17 (26.6%) <25%. More than 50% circumference involvement was highly and independently predictive for a diagnosis of GOC, <25% was highly and independently predictive for GOC-like (P=0.003). Hobnail cells (P=0.008) and plaque-like thickenings (P=0.038) were significantly more frequent in inflamed cysts. CONCLUSION Besides the number and type of histologicalfeatures, GOC can be characterized by their distribution within thecyst circumference (focal Vs diffuse), and and it may serve as a new diagnostic aid. It is suggested that GOC and GOC-like may represent a single spectrum.