Neoplastic potential of odontogenic cysts.

Odontogenic cysts and tumors are distinct entities and quite a common occurrence in the jaw bones. The lining of odontogenic cysts shows a potential for neoplastic transformation to non odontogenic malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and odontogenic tumors like ameloblastoma and adenoamatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). AOT is a benign, epithelial odontogenic tumor, common site being the anterior maxilla.