Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst.

Odontogenic cysts can give rise to a variety of neoplasms, including the odontogenic adenomatoid tumor, pleomorphic adenoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as serve as a precursor of an ameloblastoma.1 Carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst is extremely rare,2-4 with a review of literature showing fewer than 20 cases.2-16 This report describes a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dentigerous cyst that was initially diagnosed as a dentigerous cyst and discusses its clinical course, the diagnostic problems, and therapeutic regimen.