Microvessel density in follicular cysts, keratocystic odontogenic tumours and ameloblastomas.

PURPOSE Multicystic ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial odontogenic tumor that exhibits a more aggressive behavior than follicular cyst and keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). The aim of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical evaluation of the mean microvessel density (MVD) effect on clinical behavior of odontogenic lesions and to determine whether peritumoral or intratumoral MVD has a more prominent role in clinical behavior of odontogenic lesions. METHODS In a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 45 paraffin blocks of mentioned lesions were selected and stained immunohistochemically with CD34. Mean MVD, peritumoral and intratumoral MVD for each odontogenic lesion was investigated and compared with each other. ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis were used for the statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS Mean MVD was 40.8 ± 15.9, 25.3 ± 5.4, and 9.4 ± 3.52 in ameloblastoma, keratocystic odontogenic tumor , and follicular cyst, respectively. Mean MVD difference between the above mentioned lesions was statistically significant. (p < 0.001) In all the odontogenic lesions, Intratumoral MVD was higher than peritumoral (pericystic) areas. (p = 0.001) CONCLUSION There was an increase of mean MVD in multicystic ameloblastoma in comparison to keratocystic odontogenic tumor and follicular cyst and it may be concluded as one of the main factors in multicystic ameloblastoma aggressive behavior. Intratumoral (intracystic MVD) has a more prominent role in growth and clinical behavior of mentioned odontogenic lesions. This supports the hypothesis that the early stages of growth and development of follicular cyst, KCOT and multicystic ameloblastoma may share some similarities regarding angiogenesis.