Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: radiographic evaluation

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the radiographic features of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors (CCOTs) and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOTs) and to compare the radiographic findings for these 2 lesions.Study DesignWe retrospectively reviewed radiographs of CCOTs and AOTs. Location, border, relationship of the lesion with the impacted tooth, calcification patterns, tooth displacement, and root resorption were evaluated.ResultsNine CCOTs and 8 AOTs were reviewed. Most CCOTs and AOTs had smooth borders. Three CCOTs and 7 AOTs enclosed impacted teeth. Of these cases, the radiolucencies of 3 CCOTs and 1 AOT were attached to the impacted teeth at the cementoenamel junctions. Three AOTs enclosed more portions of the roots, and the other 3 AOTs enclosed the entire teeth. Calcification in CCOTs appeared as a thin radiopaque line (2 cases) and discrete radiopaque foci (1 case), whereas AOTs had numerous dispersed or clustered radiopaque foci (4 cases).ConclusionsRadiolucency with numerous radiopaque foci (particularly when the radiolucency surrounds a portion of the root or entire tooth) is suggestive of an AOT rather than a CCOT.