Distribution of mast cells in benign odontogenic tumors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mast cells in a series of odontogenic tumors. Forty-five cases of odontogenic tumors were investigated using immunohistochemistry for mast cell triptase, and differences between groups were statistically evaluated. Mast cells were present in 96% of odontogenic tumors. Mast cells present in solid ameloblastoma were observed in the tumor stroma surrounding more solid and follicular epithelial islands, with or without squamous metaplasia. The odontogenic mixoma showed few mast cells. In odontogenic tumors with a cystic structure, the mast cells were distributed throughout all areas of the lesions, mainly in keratocystic odontogenic tumor. In addition, the total density of mast cells between all odontogenic tumors showed no significant difference (p> 0.05). A greater mast cells distribution was found in keratocystic odontogenic tumor in relation to adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (p < 0.01), and when the unicystic ameloblastoma and keratocistic odontogenic tumor were compared to the odontogenic myxoma (p < 0.05). Syndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumor showed a higher mean of mast cells when compared with the other tumors of the sample. Mast cells values presented by syndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumor were significantly greater than those of the sporadic keratocystic odontogenic tumor that were not associated with the syndrome (p = 0.03). Mast cells are probably one of the major components of the stromal scaffold in odontogenic tumors. We found significant differences of mast cells between syndrome nonsyndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumors, although their distribution did not seem to have any influence on the biologic behavior of benign odontogenic tumors.

Original paper A positive correlation between immunohistochemical expression of CD31 and mast cell tryptase in odontogenic tumors

“…OM is a benign and aggressive tumor, with clinical behavior similar to ameloblastoma. Our finding in the case of OM is in agreement with the findings of Pereira et al [8] and Martínez-Mata et al [15], who did not report high MC densities in this lesion. Further studies on odontogenic tumors with mesenchymal and mixed origins can make the concept more clear.…”

“…In the mentioned studies, higher MC densities were observed in the subepithelial regions compared to the depths of connective tissues or progressive fronts of odontogenic cysts. However, Pereira et al [8] found higher densities of MCs in peritumoral areas compared to intratumoral regions. When a tumor becomes larger than 2 mm, angiogenesis must occur for further growth.…”

“…In the majority of previous studies, MCs were clearly associated with tumor development and poor prognosis, e.g. in carcinoma of the stomach, oral cavity and melanoma [3,8,11]. Pereira et al [8] evaluated the role of MCs in odontogenic tumors, but did not observe a significant difference in MC density between odontogenic tumors with different clinical behaviors.…”

“…in carcinoma of the stomach, oral cavity and melanoma [3,8,11]. Pereira et al [8] evaluated the role of MCs in odontogenic tumors, but did not observe a significant difference in MC density between odontogenic tumors with different clinical behaviors. The sample size for each group in the present study was greater than that in the study of Pereira et al [8], especially for SAM and UAM.…”

“…tumor growth, tumor-induced angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. However, the definitive in vivo contribution of MCs to tumor biology remains controversial [5,8,9]. It is yet not clear whether MCs are for or against tumor growth [10].…”