Evaluation of biological behavior of odontogenic cysts through epithelial and stromal characterization: A histochemical study

Abstract

Objectives: Odontogenic lesions include a broad range of pathologies that depend upon an inductive process toward odontogenesis before hamartomatous/neoplastic growth. The epithelium and stroma have an imperative role in pathogenesis and biological behavior. Hence, the study aims to evaluate the biology of the epithelium and stroma in odontogenic cysts (OCs). Material and Methods: Histochemical analysis was done (Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, Papanicolaou stain, toluidine blue, and picrosirius red) to determine the presence of keratin, epithelial thickness, mast cells (MCs), and the nature of collagen in OCs. Results: Keratin was absent in highly inflamed cases. MCs play a crucial role in cyst pathogenesis. In addition, polarizing microscopy helps in depicting the pattern of collagen fibers. Conclusion: The epithelium and the nature of stroma have an imperative role in the biological behavior of OCs.