Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor

The adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is an odontogenic tumor^[1] arising from the enamel organ or dental lamina.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor
Specialty	Dentistry

Signs and symptoms

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumors are more prevalent in females, in the second decade of life, in maxillae, in anterior region of the jaws, and most cases are asymptomatic, although a considerable number of cases present cortical bone perforation.^[2] Two thirds of cases are located in the anterior maxilla, and one third are present in the anterior mandible.^[3] Almost 70% of the cases are associated with an impacted canine.^[2]

Diagnosis

On radiographs, the adenomatoid odontogenic tumor presents as a radiolucency (dark area) around an unerupted tooth extending past the cementoenamel junction.

It should be differentially diagnosed from a dentigerous cyst and the main difference is that the radiolucency in case of AOT extends apically beyond the cementoenamel junction.

Radiographs will exhibit faint flecks of radiopacities surrounded by a radiolucent zone.

It is sometimes misdiagnosed as a cyst.^[4]

Treatment

Most of the cases are treated by enucleation.^[2][5] Recurrence is very rare, with only one case of recurrence being well documented in the literature.^[2]

Epidemiology

It is fairly uncommon, but it is seen more in young people. Two thirds of the cases are found in females.^[6]