CK7 and P63 as predictive markers for neoplastic transformation of dentigerous and glandular odontogenic cysts to mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

AIM: The study aims to compare the expression of CK7 and p63 proteins in dentigerous cysts (DCs) and glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs), evaluating their potential as predictors of neoplastic transformation into mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). Additionally, it seeks to explore the possible roles of inflammation and mucous cell metaplasia in the malignant transformation of these cysts.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Sixty tissue blocks were divided into three groups with two subgroups each (10 cases). Diagnoses were confirmed using Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, followed by immunohistochemical staining for CK7, p63, and mucicarmine

RESULTS

The study revealed a significant difference in the expression of CK7, p63, and mucicarmine staining across the three groups (P-value ≤ 0.05). The GOCs group exhibited the highest mean values (15.21, 5.15, and 2.04, respectively), followed by the DCs group (5.18, 2.64, and 0.39, respectively), while the control group had the lowest mean values (1.68, 0.94, and 0.00, respectively). In the inflamed subgroups, the GOCs (19.70, 5.80, and 3.10, respectively), DCs (7.36, 3.51, and 0.58, respectively), and control groups (2.07, 1.22, and 0.00, respectively) showed higher mean values compared to their non-inflamed counterparts.

CONCLUSION

The expression of CK7, p63, and mucicarmine in DCs and GOCs provides key insights into their potential for malignant transformation into MEC. GOCs exhibit higher levels of CK7 and p63, indicating a greater risk of neoplastic progression compared to DCs. These markers help differentiate the cysts and assess their malignancy potential, with inflammation possibly playing a role in the transformation to MEC.