An expanded and revised early history of the adenomatoid odontogenic tumor

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is not a new entity and has long been a subject of fascination after a century of recorded observation because of its unique biological profile. Hundreds of publications have covered a variety of aspects, ranging from demographic data to clinicopathologic features to treatment modalities. It is widely acknowledged that the first detailed reports of AOT were initially published in 1915 by Harbitz in Norway and later in 1916 by Wohl in the United States. However, it is very likely that earlier textbook and journal descriptions of AOT exist. This prompted us to review the extensive world literature on AOT dating back to the early part of the 19th century. Here we present a revised historical perspective of AOT, with a view to closing gaps in earlier knowledge about this entity and also encouraging further research.