Serum Level of Vitamin D in Patients with Salivary Gland Tumors.

Introduction: The active vitamin D metabolites have anticancer effects on many human neoplasms. The vitamin D receptors have been detected in salivary glands tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the serum level of vitamin D in patients with malignant and benign salivary gland tumors. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective and cross-sectional study, 151 participants, including 42 patients with benign, 42 malignant salivary gland tumors, and 67 healthy subjects, participated. The serum level of vitamin D was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean serum level of vitamin D was 42.7 ng/mL in patients with benign tumors, 40 ng/mL in malignant tumors, and 36.7 ng/mL in the control group. There was no significant difference between the mean vitamin D level and vitamin D status in patients with salivary gland tumors and normal controls (P=0.2). There was a significant positive correlation between vitamin D level and age in the control group (P=0.04). Conclusions: The results showed a high prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in salivary gland tumors and normal subjects, with no significant difference. Therefore, the serum level of vitamin D might not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of these tumors, similar to many human cancers. However, further prospective studies are recommended focusing on specific tumors and considering other interventional factors.

Salivary Gland Tumors in Iran: A Systematic Review of 2870 Cases Based on the New WHO Classification.

Background & Objective: There is no consensus on the prevalence of salivary gland tumors (SGTs) in Iran. Thus, we systematically reviewed the literature about the prevalence of SGTs in Iran and applied the last world health organization (WHO) classification. Methods: The systematic literature search was performed in EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Magiran; we searched for "salivary gland," "tumor," "prevalence," and "Iran" until 1 March 2021. The studies included were written in the English and Farsi languages. The weighted mean prevalence of SGTs was calculated as prevalence (%) * (N/the sum of all N). We used the unpaired Two-sample T-test to compare the weighted means. Results: A total of 17 studies, including 2870 patients, were selected for the data synthesis. The weighted mean prevalence of benign and malignant tumors was 66% (95% CI: 59-73) and 34% (95% CI: 27-41), respectively. The patients' mean age was reported in 10 out of the 17 studies. The weighted mean age of the patients was 40 (95% CI: 37-42) and 49 (95% CI: 43-55) years for benign and malignant tumors, respectively (P=0.01). Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), followed by Warthin's tumor (WT), was the most prevalent benign tumor. Moreover, the most common malignant tumors were mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). Conclusion: More than one-third of SGTs in Iran were malignant, which is higher than the reports from Middle Eastern countries. Information about risk factors and the burden of SGTs in Iran is insufficient. Thus, further well-designed longitudinal studies are warranted.

Glomus tumor in the buccal mucosa: A case report and review of the literature.

Glomus tumors are rare benign neoplasms usually occurring in the upper and lower extremities. However, oral cavity involvement is rare, with only a few case reports. We present a 37-year-old male patient with a chief complaint of an exophytic lesion in the left buccal mucosa for one year referred to our center. At the time, he did not have any pain or lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent surgery using a high-power CO2 laser. His histopathological examination revealed a glomus tumor. After 2 years of follow-up, no evidence of recurrence was detected. Glomus tumors should be taken seriously when patients have a painless exophytic bluish lesion in the buccal mucosa.

CDC7 Expression in Selected Odontogenic Tumors.

Objectives: CDC7 is a serine-threonine kinase that plays a key role in initiating DNA replication. It has been implicated in the growth and invasion of many pathologic lesions and suggested as a diagnostic marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate CDC7 in some odontogenic tumors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 45 cases, including 19 ameloblastomas, 15 dentigerous cysts, 7 ameloblastic fibromas, and 4 adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOT), were studied immunohistochemically. ANOVA and post hoc methods were used for statistical analysis. Results: CDC7 expression was observed in 93% of tumors and all dentigerous cysts. The expression rate was low. The results showed a higher expression rate of CDC7 in ameloblastoma and ameloblastic fibroma compared to AOT (p=0.009 and p=0.048, respectively). Ameloblastoma and ameloblastic fibroma were not significantly different in CDC7 expression (p=0.6). Conclusion: According to the results, the expression of the CDC7 protein in odontogenic tumors is low. The higher expression of CDC7 in ameloblastoma and ameloblastic fibroma in comparison with AOT confirms the hamartomatous growth of the latter, so it can be considered as a potential diagnostic marker. Future studies with a larger sample size are suggested to obtain a cut-off point for diagnostic purposes.

Rare fibrolipoma of attached gingiva: A case report and review of the literature.

Lipoma is a rare benign tumor. Fibrolipoma, a variant of lipoma, is relatively uncommon in mouth tissues. Among all benign lesions of oral cavity, the approximate incidence rate of lipoma is 1%-4%, with a prevalence rate of about 0.0002%. Fibrolipoma is an extremely rare subtype of lipoma, especially in the attached gingiva. This subtype accounts for 1.6% of all facial lipomas, with a prevalence rate of 1/5000 adults in the oral and oropharyngeal region. It is diagnosed by histopathologic and immunohistochemistry evaluation and treated by total excision. Due to the adhesion to the surrounding tissues and pseudo-infiltrating characteristics of this lesion, it can get mistaken with malignant lesions; therefore, a histological examination is mandatory. In this paper, a case of a patient with attached gingiva fibrolipoma treated by surgical excision is reported. This case report is about a 26-year-old female patient in Shiraz School of Dentistry with a fibrolipoma of attached gingiva. Because of fibrolipoma's growth tendency, adhesion to the surrounding tissues, and specific histological characteristics, its differential diagnosis with malignant infiltrating tumors is important. Surgical excision is the gold standard for treatment. Accurate differential diagnosis, careful histological examination, and periodic follow-up are essential.

Clinicopathological Study of Biopsied Tongue Lesions Among 5284 Dental Outpatients in Southern Iran.

Purpose: Some studies have shown a high incidence of oral cancer among tongue biopsy specimens. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of tongue biopsied lesions in an Iranian population. Methods: In this retrospective study, data from 5284 oral biopsy reports over a 22-year period (1996-2017) were evaluated regarding the type of lesions, location and patient's age and gender. Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis. Results: Out of total oral lesions, 365 (6.9%) were tongue lesions, with the incidence peak (41.9%) in the age group of 41-60 years old, with female tendency. Irritation fibroma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and oral lichen planus (OLP) were the most common lesions. The lateral border of the tongue was the most common site of biopsy. Color changes, exophytic changes and ulceration were the most frequent reported clinical signs. Conclusion: The findings showed that tongue biopsied lesions had low frequency. Irritation fibroma, SCC and OLP were the most common lesions with a female predilection. By comparing the present results with other epidemiologic studies, it revealed valuable data, which can be useful for dental practitioners.

Clinicopathological study of 1000 biopsied gingival lesions among dental outpatients: a 22-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Up to now, limited research has been done on a significant number of cases with all types of gingival lesion. Besides, the available literature does not provide reliable data on the epidemiology of gingival lesions, especially non-reactive lesions. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the frequency and distribution of gingival lesions in an Iranian population. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 1000 gingival biopsy samples during 22 years. All lesion types were evaluated in terms of location, clinical signs and symptoms, and patients' age and gender. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of the 5284 oral lesions, 1000 (18.92%) gingival lesions were detected, with a female dominance (64.06%). The incidence peak (35.6%) was observed in the third and fourth decades. Non-neoplastic lesions accounted for 92.4% of the cases. The most common reports were related to reactive lesions (71.8%), with the highest prevalence being related to pyogenic granuloma. Additionally, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was the most common neoplasm, and exophytic changes and color changes were the most frequent clinical signs. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicated the high prevalence of gingival pathological lesions. Although most biopsies were reactive in nature, a few cases were malignant, which must be considered by practitioners. Further research is needed to achieve a clear impression about non-neoplastic lesions so as to develop more helpful oral health planning.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Coexistent with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Multiple primary tumors may develop in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The coincidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with papillary thyroid carcinoma is a rare finding. This study reports a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma, which was incidentally detected during the microscopic examination of lymph nodes of a patient diagnosed as gingival squamous cell carcinoma. A review of literature is also presented.

Overexpression of CDC7 in malignant salivary gland tumors correlates with tumor differentiation / Superexpressão de CDC7 em tumores malignos de glândulas salivares correlaciona-se com a diferenciação dos tumores

Abstract Introduction: Cell division cycle-7 protein is a serine/threonine kinase that has a basic role in cell cycle regulation and is a potential prognostic or therapeutic target in some human cancers. Objectives: This study investigated the expression of cell division cycle-7 protein in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and also its correlation with clinicopathologic factors. Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of cell division cycle-7 was evaluated in 46 cases, including 15 adenoid cystic carcinoma, 12 mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 14 pleomorphic adenoma, and 5 normal salivary glands. Cell division cycle-7 expression rate and intensity were compared statistically. Results: The protein was expressed in almost all tumors. The intensity and mean of cell division cycle-7 expression were higher in malignant tumors in comparison with pleomorphic adenomas (p = 0.000). The protein expression was correlated with tumor grades (p = 0.000). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated cell division cycle-7 overexpression in malignant salivary gland tumors in comparison with pleomorphic adenomas, and also a correlation with tumor differentiation. Therefore, this protein might be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for salivary gland tumors.

Resumo Introdução: A cell division cycle-7 é uma serina/treonina quinase que tem um papel básico na regulação do ciclo celular e é um potencial marcador prognóstico ou terapêutico em alguns tipos de câncer humano. Objetivos: Este estudo investigou a expressão de cell division cycle-7 em tumores de glândulas salivares benignos e malignos e também sua correlação com fatores clínico-patológicos. Método: A expressão imuno-histoquímica de cell division cycle-7 foi avaliada em 46 casos, incluindo 15 carcinomas adenoide císticos, 12 carcinomas mucoepidermoides, 14 adenomas pleomórficos e 5 glândulas salivares normais. A taxa de expressão e a intensidade da proteína cell division cycle-7 foram comparadas estatisticamente. Resultados: A proteína foi expressa em quase todos os tumores. A intensidade e a média da expressão de cell division cycle-7 foram maiores em tumores malignos em comparação com adenoma pleomórfico (p = 0,000). A expressão da proteína foi correlacionada com os graus do tumor (p = 0,000). Conclusões: O presente estudo demonstrou a superexpressão de cell division cycle-7 em tumores malignos de glândulas salivares quando comparada com o adenoma pleomórfico, além de uma correlação com a diferenciação de tumores. Portanto, essa proteína pode ser um potencial marcador prognóstico e terapêutico para tumores de glândulas salivares.

Serum Levels of Zinc, Copper and Ferritin in Patients with Salivary Gland Tumors

Background: Variation in serum levels of trace elements including zinc, copper and ferritin has been reported in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate these trace elements in the patients' sera with benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (SGTs) and compare them with normal individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 patients with SGTs including 16 pleomorphic adenoma and 44 malignant SGTs, as well as 28 healthy controls, were enrolled. Serum levels of zinc, copper and ferritin were determined by atomic absorption and ELISA methods. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann- Whitney tests. Results: The mean concentration of zinc, copper, ferritin was1.5± 2 ppm, 1.2± 0.5 ppm, and 96.7± 65.7 ng/ml in PA, 1.5± 1.4,1.3± 0.4, and 111.2± 112 in malignant SGTs, and1.1±0.3, 1.2± 0.23 and 124±135.8 in normal control groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients and control groups, and between benign and malignant SGTs (P>0.05). Conclusion: The serum levels of trace elements in SGTs were not different from normal individuals. The results might have been affected by some interventional factors. Therefore, designing cohort complementary studies might result in obtaining more accurate data.

Overexpression of CDC7 in malignant salivary gland tumors correlates with tumor differentiation.

INTRODUCTION: Cell division cycle-7 protein is a serine/threonine kinase that has a basic role in cell cycle regulation and is a potential prognostic or therapeutic target in some human cancers. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the expression of cell division cycle-7 protein in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and also its correlation with clinicopathologic factors. METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of cell division cycle-7 was evaluated in 46 cases, including 15 adenoid cystic carcinoma, 12 mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 14 pleomorphic adenoma, and 5 normal salivary glands. Cell division cycle-7 expression rate and intensity were compared statistically. RESULTS: The protein was expressed in almost all tumors. The intensity and mean of cell division cycle-7 expression were higher in malignant tumors in comparison with pleomorphic adenomas (p=0.000). The protein expression was correlated with tumor grades (p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated cell division cycle-7 overexpression in malignant salivary gland tumors in comparison with pleomorphic adenomas, and also a correlation with tumor differentiation. Therefore, this protein might be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for salivary gland tumors.

MCM3 and Ki67 proliferation markers in odontogenic cysts and ameloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: MCM3 is a marker of proliferation that has been used as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in many pathologic lesions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the proliferative activity of dentigerous cysts, odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma using minichromosome maintenance 3 (MCM3) and compare it with Ki-67 proliferation marker. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 40 cases including 11 cases of dentigerous cyst, 14 odontogenic keratocyst, and 15 ameloblastoma were included. Immunohistochemical expression of MCM3 and Ki-67 were investigated and compared statistically using ANOVA, Chi-square, Tukey and Spearman's correlation tests. RESULTS: All subjects were positive for Ki-67 and MCM3. There was a significant difference in MCM3 and Ki-67 expression among all groups. Compared to Ki-67, MCM3 exhibited a higher level of expression. Ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst revealed higher expression rate of both markers in comparison to dentigerous cysts. CONCLUSION: The results showed MCM3 and Ki67 expression in the most common odontogenic cysts and tumors, especially more aggressive lesions. MCM3 might have a role in pathogenesis of these lesions and could be a reliable marker for assessing proliferation activity.

Immunohistochemical Expression of CDC7 in Dentigerous Cyst, Odontogenic Keratocyst and Radicular Cyst.

CDC7 is a serine/threonine kinase which has an essential role in initiation of DNA proliferation and S phase. It increases the invasion and proliferation in many pathologic lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CDC7 in the most common odontogenic cysts. We evaluated 17 dentigerous cysts, 18 odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and 13 radicular cysts immunohistochemically. The mean expression of CDC7 was analyzed using ANOVA and Post-HOC methods. All specimens revealed CDC7 expression. Higher expression of CDC7 in OKC and radicular cyst was shown in comparison to dentigerous cyst (P < 0.001), while radicular cyst and OKC groups showed no difference in CDC7 expression (P = 0.738). The high expression of CDC7 in OKC suggests that this protein could be related to the higher proliferation rate and invasiveness of OKC. On the other hand, the higher CDC7 expression in radicular cyst may simply be related to inflammation as this cyst is neither aggressive nor invasive.

Desmoplastic Fibroblastoma in Maxillary Alveolar Bone Mimicking An Odontogenic Lesion: A Novel Case Report with Review of Literature.

Desmoplastic fibroblastoma (Collagenous fibroma) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor that disseminates widely and can be intramuscular or subcutaneously. There are seven reported cases in the oral cavity so far. We reported a novel case of collagenous fibroma that has been found in the anterior part of maxilla in a 58-year-old woman as an intraosseous radiolucent lesion that has been discovered during routine radiography. Histopathologically, spindle and stellate-shaped fibroblasts in a collagen-rich stroma as well as binucleated and multinucleated fibroblasts with prominent nucleoli were seen. Desmoplastic fibroblastoma could be found in jaw bones and excision of the lesion is curative, and no aggressive growth has been reported.

Clinicopathologic Study of Intra- Osseous Lesions of the Jaws in Southern Iranian Population.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: It is necessary for surgeons and practitioners to know about relative incidence and clinicopathologic features of lesions for accurate diagnosis and approach of pathologic lesions. Data are limited about overall incidence of intra-osseous lesions of the jaws in Iranian patients. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the clinicopathologic features of intra- osseous lesions of the jaws in an Iranian population, in a 22-year period. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross- sectional retrospective analytical study, 4500 specimens in a 22- year period were reviewed. Baseline data of all patients with intra- osseous lesions including type and location of lesions as well as patients' age and gender, were collected and analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive analysis and Chi-square test. RESULTS: There were 1121 (25%) intra-osseous lesion. Odontogenic cysts and benign non- odontogenic bone lesions were the most common categories, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 30.1±16, the total male to female ratio was 1.1:1, and the most prevalent location of lesions was posterior of mandible. CONCLUSION: The results showed baseline information of intra-osseous lesions that were essentially similar to other populations; however, there were a few geographical differences. Further comprehensive studies in other parts of country are required to make a more reliable source of reference for clinicians and surgeons for evaluating and managing their patients more properly.

Serum Levels of Cyfra 21 in Patients with Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Cyfra 21 is a serum-soluble fragment of cytokeratin19. Increased Cyfra 21 serum levels and their benefit as a tumor marker have been shown in some malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of Cyfra 21 in patients with benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the serum level of Cyfra 21 in 44 patients with malignant salivary gland tumors and 16 cases of pleomorphic adenoma were compared with 28 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal Wallis test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman's correlation tests. RESULTS: Mean serum levels of Cyfra 21 were 0.135 ± 0.285 ng/ ml in the control group, 0.167 ± 0.142 ng/ ml in patients with pleomorphic adenoma and 1.059 ± 3.251 ng/ml in patients with malignant salivary gland tumors. There was no significant difference among groups. Cyfra 21 levels did not correlate with location of tumor, clinical stage or cigarette smoking. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study showed no significant difference in Cyfra 21 serum level in salivary gland tumors compared with normal individuals. In addition, Cyfra 21 serum level was not sufficiently sensitive to function as a tumor marker in salivary gland tumors.

Caveolin-1 expression in oral lichen planus, dysplastic lesions and squamous cell carcinoma.

Caveolin-1(Cav-1), the main part of caveolae structure, is supposed to play a role in pathogenesis of many human tumors. Since oral lichen planus (OLP) is considered as a potential premalignant disease, this study evaluated Cav-1 expression in OLP in comparison with benign hyperkeratosis, dysplastic epithelium and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), to investigate its possible role in pathogenesis and malignant transformation of OLP. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, immunohistochemical expression of Cav-1 in the epithelial component and stroma was evaluated in 81 samples, including 12 cases of hyperkeratosis, 24 OLP, 22 epithelial dysplasia, and 23 OSCC samples. Correlations between Cav-1 expression and clinicopathological variables were evaluated statistically. Positive Cav-1 staining was found in 58% of OLP, 91% of hyperkeratosis, 100% of epithelial dysplasia, and 95% of OSCC samples. OSCC showed the highest Cav-1 expression and OLP had the lowest (P=0.001). The intensity of staining was significantly increased in stepwise manner from OLP to OSCC (P=0.001). Expression of Cav-1 was related to the grade of samples in OSCC and dysplastic samples (P=0.04). Based on the findings, it was concluded that Cav-1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OLP and carcinogenesis of SCC, but its role in malignant transformation of OLP is not confirmed. Further studies are needed to evaluate its potential therapeutic function in OLP and SCC.

Twist Expression in Pleomorphic Adenoma, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Salivary Glands.

OBJECTIVE: Twist is an important transcription factor that induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and therefore plays an important role in tumor progression. There are a few studies on Twist expression in salivary gland carcinomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression of Twist in the most common benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and to determine whether its expression was correlated with any tumor characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 45 cases including 11 cases of normal salivary gland, 12 pleomorphic adenomas, 12 adenoid cystic carcinomas and 10 mucoepidermoid carcinomas were enrolled. The mean and intensity of Twist expression were evaluated immunohistochemically and were compared using statistical analysis. RESULTS: The expression of Twist was higher in malignant salivary gland tumors in comparison with normal glands and benign tumors (p= 0.03). It was also higher in pleomorphic adenomas in comparison with normal tissue. Adenoid cystic carcinomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas showed no significant difference in Twist expression (p= 0.50). There was no correlation with the size, stage or grade of tumor. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that Twist might play a role in the formation of salivary gland neoplasm and also may affect malignant transformation and tumoral invasion. The exact mechanism of this marker and the possibility of using it as a therapeutic target require further investigation.

Caveolin-1 overexpression in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

Caveolin-1, a tyrosine-phosphorylated protein, is supposed to have different regulatory roles as promoter or suppressor in many human cancers. However, no published study concerned its expression in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression of Cav-1 in the most common benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and evaluate its correlation with proliferation activity. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, immunohistochemical expression of caveolin-1 and Ki67 were evaluated in 49 samples, including 11 normal salivary glands, 15 cases of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), 13 adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCC), and 10 mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC). The expression of Cav-1 was seen in 18 % of normal salivary glands and 85 % of tumors. The immunoreaction in the tumors was significantly higher than normal tissues (P = 0.001), but the difference between benign and malignant tumors was not significant (P = 0.07). Expression of Cav-1 was correlated with Ki67 labeling index in PAs, but not in malignant tumors. Cav-1 expression was not in association with tumor size and stage. Overexpression of Cav-1 was found in salivary gland tumors in comparison with normal tissues, but no significant difference was observed between benign and malignant tumors. Cav-1 was inversely correlated with proliferation in PA. Therefore, this marker may participate in tumorigenesis of salivary gland tumors and may be a potential biomarker for cancer treatments.

P63 and Ki-67 Expression in Dentigerous Cyst and Ameloblastomas.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: P63 gene is a member of TP53 and its homologous gene family. Its expression was observed in some odontogenic lesions, more expression in aggressive lesions. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the possible diagnostic impact of P63 protein on dentigerous cysts and various types of ameloblastoma. Its expression with Ki-67 proliferation marker was also compared. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional retrospective study was enrolled on 25 cases of dentigerous cyst including 21 unicystic ameloblastomas and 17 conventional ameloblastomas. The expression of P63 and Ki-67 was assessed by immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations. Data were analyzed by employing Mann-Whitney and correlation coefficient tests. RESULTS: P63 expression was significantly higher in ameloblastoma than unicystic ameloblastoma and dentigerous cysts. There was no significant difference between unicystic ameloblastoma and dentigerous cyst in P63 expression. A 90% cut-off point was obtained for basal layer which gave 88% sensitivity and 78% specificity to distinguish more invasive lesions from others. There was not any correlation between P63 and Ki-67 immunostaining in the three study groups. CONCLUSION: More aggressiveness and more invasiveness of odontogenic lesions depicted higher rate and also more intensive expression of P63. Moreover, the expression of P63 protein had not any correlation with Ki-67 protein in dentigerous cysts and ameloblastomas.