p63 expression in randomized odontogenic cysts

ABSTRACT

To find out the immunohistochemical assessment of p63 expression in odontogenic cysts based on the differences among their clinical behaviors. This study was carried out on 34 archival paraffin-embedded specimens of odontogenic cysts. We obtained the specimens from the Pathology Department of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran from March 2003 to February 2008. The specimens comprised 12 dentigerous cysts, 9 radicular cysts, and 13 keratocystic odontogenic tumors [KCOTs]. The immunohistochemical technique was performed using the Envision system for evaluation of p63 expression. The KCOT revealed the highest p63 expression and the differences between the 3 groups was statistically significant. P63 expression might be helpful when identifying cyst types with more aggressive and invasive phenotype