Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor

An adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), also known as adenomatoid ameloblastoma, is a benign odontogenic epithelial tumor. WHO defines AOT as a slow-growing benign tumor composed of diverse odontogenic epithelium and mature connective tissue interstitium. AOT is relatively rare, accounting for about 3–7% of all types of odontogenic tumors. It occurs more often in the age of 10–30, and the incidence of women is about twice that of men. AOT can be divided into two types, namely central type (intraosseous type) and peripheral type (extraosseous type). More than 95% of AOTs occur in the bone, and the incidence in the maxillary bone is about twice that in the mandible [1–7]. Clinically, most patients with AOT are asymptomatic with slow tumor growth, and later may be accompanied by jaw swelling and pain, tooth loosening and displacement, with no tooth root absorption generally. The radiograph shows that the lesion is characterized by well-defined density-reduction shadows with punctate calcifications and unerupted teeth. It is difficult to distinguish AOT from dental cysts. The preferred treatment for AOT is complete resection or curettage. AOT has a good prognosis and a low recurrence rate.