Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor: Histomorphological Evidence of Its Origin from the Cystic Component and Literature Review

ObjectivesAdenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a distinct benign odontogenic tumor, with relevant studies indicating that a cystic component can be found in about half of cases; however, controversy still exists regarding its true nature.MethodsHere, we show an interesting case of follicular AOT affecting the maxilla of a 13-year-old girl, which was predominantly cystic with intraepithelial calcified deposits, including histomorphological changes of its basal and parabasal layers, in close connection with typical AOT nests, the same ones that looked like detach or originate from this cystic component.ConclusionOur findings suggest the that the cystic component is part of the tumor in an AOT subgroup, which should also be considered.