Sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma misnomering previously as central odontogenic fibroma-A case report with review of literature.

Sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma (SOC) was first described by Koutlas et al. in 2008. Despite its inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) as a distinct entity, it is a tumour that remains poorly defined in the literature, with only 10 reported cases to date. The mandibular premolar and molar region is more commonly affected compared to the maxilla. In the maxilla, the anterior and the molar regions are most commonly affected. This article describes a case report of a Sclerosing Odontogenic Carcinoma in a 50 year old male patient in the mandibular region. The radiograph showed a well-defined radiolucency extending from the left ramus of the mandible to the right lower molar region. SOC is low grade with mild atypia and frequent mitosis and diffused infiltrative and perineural spread.

Effects of a Province-wide Triaging System for TIA: The ASPIRE Intervention.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Urgent transient ischemic attack (TIA) management to reduce stroke recurrence is challenging, particularly in rural and remote areas. In Alberta, Canada, despite an organized stroke system, data from 1999 to 2000 suggested that stroke recurrence after TIA was as high as 9.5% at 90 days. Our objective was to determine whether a multifaceted population-based intervention resulted in a reduction in recurrent stroke after TIA. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental health services research intervention study, we implemented a TIA management algorithm across the entire province, centered around a 24-hour physician's TIA hotline and public and health provider education on TIA. From administrative databases, we linked emergency department discharge abstracts to hospital discharge abstracts to identify incident TIAs and recurrent strokes at 90 days across a single payer system with validation of recurrent stroke events. The primary outcome was recurrent stroke; with a secondary composite outcome of recurrent stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and all-cause death. We used an interrupted time series regression analysis of age-adjusted and sex-adjusted stroke recurrence rates after TIA, incorporating a 2-year preimplementation period (2007-2009), a 15-month implementation period, and a 2-year postimplementation period (2010-2012). Logistic regression was used to examine outcomes that did not fit the time series model. RESULTS: We assessed 6,715 patients preimplementation and 6,956 patients postimplementation. The 90-day stroke recurrence rate in the pre-Alberta Stroke Prevention in TIA and mild Strokes (ASPIRE) period was 4.5% compared with 5.3% during the post-ASPIRE period. There was neither a step change (estimate 0.38; p = 0.65) nor slope change (parameter estimate 0.30; p = 0.12) in recurrent stroke rates associated with the ASPIRE intervention implementation period. Adjusted all-cause mortality (odds ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.56-0.89) was significantly lower after the ASPIRE intervention. DISCUSSION: The ASPIRE TIA triaging and management interventions did not further reduce stroke recurrence in the context of an organized stroke system. The apparent lower mortality postintervention may be related to improved surveillance after events identified as TIAs, but secular trends cannot be excluded. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that a standardized population-wide algorithmic triage system for patients with TIA did not reduce recurrent stroke rate.

Odontogenic carcinosarcoma - A rare case report with review of literature.

Odontogenic carcinosarcoma (OCS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor (OT) with only a few cases reported in the literature. Its synonyms are ameloblastic carcinosarcoma, malignant mixed OT. It is characterized by a true mixed tumor showing malignant cytology of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. The tumor invaded into adjacent tissues by destroying the bone. A 24-year-old patient visited the outpatient clinic of GITAM Dental College and Hospital, with a chief complaint of growth in the lower right back tooth region for 6 months. Based on clinical and radiographic features, it has been diagnosed as an aggressive central jaw lesion. The patient was further referred for histological examination for confirmatory diagnosis. It has been diagnosed as an adenomatoid OT. The OCS most commonly affects the posterior part of the mandible. A larger number of cases were reported recently, and prolonged follow-up is needed to further clarify the nature of OCS.

Brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism with multiple lesions.

Brown tumors are rare focal giant-cell lesions that arise as a direct result of the effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone tissue in some patients with hyperparathyroidism. Browns tumor is a syndrome associated with an increase in PTH levels by parathyroid glands resulting in hypercalcemia. In the present case report, a 44-year-old female patient presented with a rare case of brown tumor with multiple lesions in the head-and-neck region. The recent advance in various diagnostic and biochemical tests helps in early diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism cases. The dentist should be aware of oral manifestations associated with this type of systemic disease.

Accounts of health risk assessment survey administration in the Catch a Break Program: the social construction of osteoporosis risk identification and need for intervention.

Catch a Break staff conducting the organizational work of delivering secondary fracture prevention screening conversations drew on cultural and organizational resources to determine eligibility of individuals. They encountered and navigated their way through interactional troubles as they requested participation, assessed trauma risk, and provided lifestyle information. PURPOSE: We investigated delivery of a population-based type C fracture liaison service for non-hip fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine accounts of how osteoporosis health risk screening interactions were delivered. METHODS: A pre-determined sample of 5 organizational representatives (program staff) were interviewed by telephone. We analyzed the qualitative data through the lens of interpretive inquiry, informed by discourse analysis, to examine staff's "talk" about conducting the program risk screening conversations. RESULTS: A dominant finding emerging from CAB staff's accounts of program delivery was the conversational work required to include only those individuals deemed appropriate for the program while managing the survey interaction. Staff talked about specific examples of interactional troubles they experienced as barriers to the smooth and successful risk screening conversation. They drew on cultural and organizational resources as interpretive frameworks to make decisions about individuals and groups at risk and in need of further investigation. They drew on larger ideas about ageism and genderism, judging as inappropriate for participation the oldest old adults, men involved in high risk occupations, and adults aged 50 to 70. Staff also employed interactional resources useful in managing problems in the conversation during the request to participate, trauma risk assessment, and lifestyle/health information provision sequences of the risk screening call. CONCLUSION: We uncovered areas in the screening interaction that were talked about by staff as problematic to achieving the program objective of identifying and enrolling individuals in the secondary fracture prevention program. By highlighting areas for improvement in program delivery, this study may help to reduce the interactional troubles staff negotiate as they deliver this type of program.

Cholesteatoma of Maxillary Sinus Simulating Neoplasia: A Rare Case Report.

The term cholesteatoma refers to "chole": cholesterol, "steat": fat and "oma,": "tumor". This tumor has been reported to be the most common in the middle ear. The occurrence of such a tumor in the maxillary sinus is deemed to be very rare and hardly 4 cases were reported in India and 26 cases described worldwide. This case report intends to discuss the uniqueness and indolent nature of this lesion in terms of histopathology and radiography.

Evaluation of immunomorphological patterns of cervical lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The Immunomorphological patterns of Lymph Nodes indirectly assess the host immune response facing a malignant tumor. These patterns also help us predict the susceptibility of the patient to Lymph Node Metastasis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Immunomorphological patterns of Lymph Nodes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and to correlate them with the histopathological subtype of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, TNM staging and the degree of tumor involvement within the Lymph Nodes. METHODOLOGY: A total of 40 subjects were taken for the study. Individuals who were clinically and histopathologically diagnosed as cases of Squamous Cell Carcinoma, who had undergone Radical or Elective Neck dissection were considered. The excised Lymph Nodes along with the primary tumor were collected stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. The Lymph Nodes were assessed for Metastasis and Immunomorphological patterns. Statistical Correlation was done between the Immunomorphological pattern of Lymph Nodes and (a) Size of the tumor, (b) TNM stage of the tumor, (c) Histopathological Grade of the primary tumor, (d) Metastasis of the Lymph Node and (e) Grade of the Metastasis of Lymph Node. Statistical Correlation was done between the Metastasis of the Lymph Node and (a) Size of the tumor and (b) TNM stage of the tumor. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Statistically, a significant association was observed between TNM staging and Immunomorphological patterns of Lymph Node (P < 0.01). The relationship between histopathological grade of primary tumor of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Immunomorphological patterns was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Statistically, a significant association was observed between Sinus Histiocytosis pattern and decreased occurrence of nodal metastasis (P < 0.01).

Pediatric intraosseous schwannoma in maxillary sinus: A case report with review of literature.

Neurilemmoma has been defined as a benign, encapsulated neoplasm that arises in the nerve fiber. It originates from the proliferation of Schwann cells in the perineurium causing displacement and compression of the adjacent nerve. This neoplasm is composed primarily of Schwann cells in a poorly collagenized stroma. It can occur in any age group. Neurilemmoma occurs all over the body including the head and neck region. In the head and neck region, 25%-40% of schwannoma cases have been reported. Occurrences of intraoral schwannomas are rare with reported prevalence being 1%. In the present article, we report a case of a 19-month-old baby complaining of pain and swelling. On clinical, radiological and histopathological features it was diagnosed as pediatric intraosseous schwannoma of the maxillary sinus.

Evaluation of genotoxicity by micronucleus assay in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma with deleterious habits.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is the 12th most common cancer in women and the 6th in men. Of all oral malignancies, more than 92-95% is Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). The high risk was due to Lifestyle-related habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing of areca nut related products which are considered as the major risk factors in OSCC. The exogenous carcinogens from tobacco smoke may induce a defective DNA damage response, which may alter the expression of genes that protect us against cancer that may result in genomic instability and this DNA damage can be assessed by studying the chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and the varied forms of the micronucleus. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of development of oral leukoplakia (OLP) and OSCC due to DNA damage by studying micronuclei count in the east coast of Andhra Pradesh population with tobacco consumption habit and habit-free controls using Fluorescent microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 subjects, 20 normal controls, 20 oral leukoplakia and 20 OSCC patients were selected from the outpatient patients of GITAM Dental College and Hospital, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam and peripheral cancer hospitals in and around Visakhapatnam. Exfoliated cells were collected by giving 5-6 gentle strokes with spatula in a continuous unidirectional movement and then were uniformly spread on the previously cleaned microscopic slide. Fluorescent stain 4', 6'-diamidino-2 phenylindole (DAPI) was used for MN analysis. RESULTS: Mean of cells with MN in controls, leukoplakia and OSCC cases was observed to be 1, 5.1,10.1 (F = 112.396, P < 0.001) respectively. Mean of the cells with MN in different grades of leukoplakia. (F = 35.594, P < 0.001) Mean of the cells with MN in different grades of OSCC. (F = 39.752, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed an increase in mean frequency of cells with micronucleus from healthy individuals however similar studies in larger sample has to be done. This study concludes that MN index can be used as a screening test among high risk groups.

Lymphoma in an extraction socket.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a lymphoproliferative malignancy that can involve both lymph node and lymphoid organs as well as extranodal organs and tissues. The aim of presenting this case of NHL is to highlight the suspicion of its occurrence in the region of unhealed extraction sockets and the significance of its awareness. NHL can be presented in various forms; therefore, a thorough knowledge regarding this malignancy is essential for arriving at the earliest possible diagnosis and therapy for the patient.

Rehabilitation After Hip Fracture for Nursing Home Residents: A Controlled Feasibility Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study compared functional outcomes at 3 months after hip fracture surgery between nursing home residents participating in a 10-week outreach rehabilitation program and those receiving usual care. Function, health-related quality of life, and mortality were also compared over 12 months, and outreach program feasibility was assessed. METHODS: A feasibility trial was undertaken in Canadian nursing homes; of 77 participants, 46 were allocated to Outreach and 31 to Control prior to assessing function or cognition. Outreach participants received 10 weeks of rehabilitation (30 sessions), and Control participants received usual posthospital fracture care in their nursing homes. The primary outcome was the Functional Independence Measure Physical Domain (FIMphysical) score 3 months post-fracture; we also explored FIM Locomotion and Mobility. Secondary outcomes were FIM scores, EQ-5D-3L scores, and mortality over 12 months. Program feasibility was also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 88.7 ± 7.0 years, 55 (71%) were female, and 58 (75%) had severe cognitive impairment with no significant group differences (p > .14). Outreach participants had significantly higher FIM Locomotion than usual care (p = .02), but no significant group differences were seen in FIMphysical or FIM Mobility score 3 months post-fracture. In adjusted analyses, Outreach participants reported significant improvements in all FIM and EQ-5D-3L scores compared with Control participants over 12 months (p < .05). Mortality did not differ by group (p = .80). Thirty (65%) Outreach participants completed the program. CONCLUSIONS: Our feasibility trial demonstrated that Outreach participants achieved better locomotion by 3 months post-fracture compared with participants receiving usual postfracture care; benefits were sustained to 12 months post-fracture. In adjusted analyses, Outreach participants also showed sustained benefits in physical function and health-related quality of life.

Expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study.

INTRODUCTION: Heat shock proteins are biomarkers regulating the degree of differention and aggressiveness in oral carcinogenesis. The study was carried out to evaluate the expression of HSP 70 in histological grades of epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma using immunohistochemistry. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 40, which included 10 (Normal), 15 (epithelial dysplasia) and 15 (oral squamous cell carcinoma) were selected. The biopsy samples were stained using H and E staining and HSP 70 IHC. RESULTS: There was a statistical significant difference in expression of HSP 70 between normal oral mucosal tissue, leukoplakia and OSCC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study concludes the critical role of HSP70 as an oncogene in the development of oral cancer. HSP70 inhibition is, therefore a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

The "TROJAN HORSE" of a Dental Visit - Synovial Sarcoma.

The term "synovial sarcoma (SS)" is a histological error, a misnomer as it neither arises from nor differentiates toward synovium. Head and neck region is the most commonly affected region after extremities, representing 5% of all cases. This case report focuses to discuss a case of a SS that was diagnosed after an inadvertent root canal therapy. A 46-year-old male came to the outpatient department with a chief complaint of pain and swelling in his upper right back tooth region since 15 days. An ulceroproliferative mass of was observed protruding from the gingivobuccal sulcus from 11 to 15 tooth region obliterating the vestibule.

Metformin, Asian ethnicity and risk of prostate cancer in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metformin is associated with a reduced risk of some cancers but its effect on prostate cancer is unclear. Some studies suggest only Asians derive this benefit. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review with particular attention to ethnicity. METHODS: Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBM Reviews were searched from inception to 2015. Two reviewers identified and abstracted articles. Studies were pooled using random effects model and stratified by Western- vs Asian-based populations. RESULTS: We identified 482 studies; 26 underwent full review. Of Western-based studies (n = 23), two were randomized trials and 21 were observational studies. All Asian-based studies (n = 3) were observational. There were 1,572,307 patients, 1,171,643 Western vs 400,664 Asian. Across all studies there was no association between metformin and prostate cancer (RR: 1.01, 95%CI: 0.86-1.18, I2: 97%), with similar findings in Western-based trials (RR: 1.38, 95%CI: 0.72-2.64 I2: 15%) and observational studies (RR: 1.03 95%CI: 0.94-1.13, I2: 88%). Asian-based studies suggested a non-significant reduction (RR: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.42-1.34, I2: 90%), although these results were highly influenced by one study of almost 400,000 patients (propensity-adjusted RR: 0.47 95%CI 0.45-0.49). Removing this influential study yielded an estimate more congruent with Western-based studies (RR: 0.98 95%CI:0.71-1.36, I2: 0%). CONCLUSION: There is likely no association between metformin and risk of prostate cancer, in either Western-based or Asian-based populations after removing a highly influential Asian-based study.

Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma Arising Denovo with Distant Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma (GCOC) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumour of epithelial origin accounting about 0.37% to 2.1% of all odontogenic tumours. They are characterized by the presence of ameloblastic islands along with ghost cells representing aberrant keratinization. The aim of this case report is to present a rare case that was diagnosed in a 37-year-old male patient and to describe the behavior of the tumour.

Evaluation of Genetic Polymorphisms in Glutathione S-Transferase Theta1, Glutathione S-Transferase Mu1, and Glutathione S-Transferase Mu3 in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Deleterious Habits using Polymerase Chain Reaction.

CONTEXT: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world. As per previous studies, most patients who develop oral cancer are elderly males who are heavy users of tobacco and alcohol; however, the incidence is increasing in younger individuals and in those who neither smoke nor drink. Many of the genes that code for the detoxification enzymes are polymorphic with abnormal activity profiles. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of development of oral leukoplakia (OLP) and OSCC in glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms genes in the east coast of Andhra Pradesh population with tobacco consumption habit and habit-free controls using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 15 patients each with histologically proven epithelial dysplasia and OSCC and compared with age- and gender-related controls with no tobacco habits in any form. A volume of 2 ml of blood sample was collected into presterilized vials containing ethylenediaminetetracetic acid from each individual under aseptic conditions. DNA extraction was done from whole blood, and PCR was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The results are suggestive that glutathione S-transferase mu1 (GSTM1) null was associated with increased risk of OLP (OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 1.14-26.41, P = 0.021) and OSCC (OR = 11, 95% CI = 1.99-60.5, P = 0.021). Glutathione S-transferase theta1 (GSTT1) null genotype was associated with increased risk of OLP (OR = 2.154, 95% CI = 0.74-26.672, P > 0.99) and OSCC (OR = 2.154, 95% CI = 0.74-26.672, P > 0.99). The glutathione S-transferase mu3 (GSTM3) AB + BB genotypes appear to be risk factors for OSCC (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.31-5.58, P = 0.7) although statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Hence to conclude, because of small sample size in the present study, statistically insignificant results were found and this study failed to observe the relationship between GSTM3 and GSTT1 polymorphism and risk of developing OSCC and positive relationship was observed with GSTM1 polymorphism and risk of developing OSCC.

Expression of Human Papillomavirus DNA and p53 Polymorphisms through Polymerase Chain Reaction in Normal Mucosa and Oral Leukoplakia Individuals with Deleterious Oral Habits.

CONTEXT: Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a well-recognized precancerous lesion with various etiological factors. Most commonly deleterious oral habits such as tobacco smoking and viral etiologies mainly human papillomavirus (HPV) play an important role. p53 polymorphisms mostly homozygous Arginine (Arg) allele has a greater risk of degradation by HPV. Hence, HPV infection and p53 polymorphisms may act as synergistic factors for increased the risk of malignant transformation in oral precancerous lesions. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of OL and its malignant transformation due to infection by HPV and p53 polymorphisms in the oral biopsy samples through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 40 individuals were involved- 10 individuals were controls without deleterious habits, 15 were controls with deleterious habits, and 15 were with histologically confirmed OL individuals with deleterious habits. PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism using sma1 enzyme were carried out to evaluate the expression of HPV and p53 polymorphisms. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test, Fischer's exact t-test, and odds ratio. RESULTS: (1) HPV DNA expression was higher in Leukoplakia individuals than controls. (2) p53 genotype with homozygous Arg was more in HPV-infected individuals. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude HPV infected OL cases were mostly with Arg/Arg type of p53 polymorphism.

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease: Still Lots to Learn and a Need for Standardized Data Collection Instruments.

Background. Large studies of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) are frequently lacking detailed clinical information. Methods. A population-based 15-year study of IPD in Northern Alberta. Results. 2435 patients with a mean age of 54.2 years formed the study group. Males outnumbered females and Aboriginal and homeless persons were overrepresented. High rates of smoking, excessive alcohol use, and illicit drug use were seen. Almost all (87%) had a major comorbidity and 15% had functional limitations prior to admission. Bacteremia, pneumonia, and meningitis were the most common major manifestations of IPD. Almost half of the patients had alteration of mental status at the time of admission and 22% required mechanical ventilation. Myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and new onset stroke occurred in 1.7, 1.3, and 1.1% of the patients, respectively; of those who had echocardiograms, 35% had impaired ventricular function. The overall in-hospital mortality was 15.6%. Conclusions. IPD remains a serious infection in adults. In addition to immunization, preventative measures need to consider the sociodemographic features more carefully. A standard set of data need to be collected so that comparisons can be made from study to study. Future investigations should target cardiac function and pulmonary embolism prevention in this population.

Addressing the gaps in diabetes care in first nations communities with the reorganizing the approach to diabetes through the application of registries (RADAR): the project protocol.

BACKGROUND: Type-2 diabetes rates in First Nations communities are 3-5 times higher than the general Canadian population, resulting in a high burden of disease, complications and comorbidity. Limited community nursing capacity, isolated environments and a lack of electronic health records (EHR)/registries lead to a reactive, disorganized approach to diabetes care for many First Nations people. The Reorganizing the Approach to Diabetes through the Application of Registries (RADAR) project was developed in alignments with federal calls for innovative, culturally relevant, community-specific programs for people with type-2 diabetes developed and delivered in partnership with target communities. METHODS: RADAR applies both an integrated diabetes EHR/registry system (CARE platform) and centralized care coordinator (CC) service that will support local healthcare. The CC will work with local healthcare workers to support patient and community health needs (using the CARE platform) and build capacity in best practices for type-2 diabetes management. A modified stepped wedge controlled trial design will be used to evaluate the model. During the baseline phase, the CC will work with local healthcare workers to identify patients with type-2 diabetes and register them into the CARE platform, but not make any management recommendations. During the intervention phase, the CC will work with local healthcare workers to proactively manage patients with type-2 diabetes, including monitoring and recall of patients, relaying clinical information and coordinating care, facilitated through the shared use of the CARE platform. The RE-AIM framework will provide a comprehensive assessment of the model. The primary outcome measure will be a 10% improvement in any one of A1c, BP, or cholesterol over the baseline values. Secondary endpoints will address other diabetes care indicators including: the proportion of clinical measures completed in accordance with guidelines (e.g., foot and eye examination, receipt of vaccinations, smoking cessation counseling); the number of patients registered in CARE; and the proportion of patients linked to a health services provider. The cost-effectiveness of RADAR specific to these communities will be assessed. Concurrent qualitative assessments will provide contextual information, such as the quality/usability of the CARE platform and the impact/satisfaction with the model. DISCUSSION: RADAR combines innovative technology with personalized support to deliver organized diabetes care in remote First Nations communities in Alberta. By improving the ability of First Nations to systematically identify and track diabetes patients and share information seamlessly an overall improvement in the quality of clinical care of First Nations people living with type-2 diabetes on reserve is anticipated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN study ID ISRCTN14359671 , retrospectively registered October 7, 2016.

Quantitative assessment of silver-stained nucleolar organizer region in odontogenic cysts to correlate the growth and malignant potentiality.

CONTEXT: The most common and important odontogenic cyst involving jaws is the odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) or primordial cyst, the dentigerous cyst and the radicular cyst. These cysts all though do not show similar behavior, they all have the potentiality to recur. Silver nitrate staining of the nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) of the benign and malignant lesions is becoming very useful as a diagnostic indicator. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic potential of AgNORs in the cystic epithelium of common odontogenic cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archived specimens of odontogenic cysts were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and AgNOR stain. RESULTS: The comparative evaluation of the AgNOR counts was done among the three varieties of odontogenic cysts, i.e., radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts and OKC and were observed that the mean for OKC was significantly higher than that of radicular cyst. CONCLUSION: Therefore, AgNor could be used as an efficient tool for comparative evaluation of microscopic features such as epithelial thickness, surface keratinization and mural proliferation in dentigerous cyst to that of the AgNOR count.