Benign Odontogenic Tumors: Origins, Immunophenotypic Features, and Genetic Alterations

Odontogenic tumors are lesions derived from the epithelial and/or mesenchymal elements of the tooth-forming apparatus and are therefore found within the jaw bone or soft tissue overlying teeth. These tooth development-associated tumors are generally benign, but several odontogenic tumors are capable of aggressive growth and locally invasive behavior with a high rate of recurrence. Benign odontogenic tumors can pose diagnostic challenges because of overlapping histology, a lack of distinct phenotypic and molecular features, and an unclear pathogenesis of the tumors. In this article, we will review the possible origins, immunophenotypic features, and genetic alterations of the common benign odontogenic tumors.