Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Arising From a Dentigerous Cyst in a 10-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a benign, well-encapsulated odontogenic lesion that typically presents as a slow-growing, asymptomatic mass. Surgical enucleation or curettage remains the treatment of choice due to the tumor's non-invasive nature and well-defined borders, which facilitate complete removal with minimal risk of recurrence. Interestingly, some studies have suggested that AOTs may occasionally arise within pre-existing dentigerous cysts, indicating a possible developmental relationship between the two entities. We report a case of a 10-year-old female patient presenting with a one-week history of swelling on the left side of the face. Clinical examination revealed a firm, tender swelling in the left upper buccal vestibule, extending from the maxillary lateral incisor to the second deciduous molar. The left maxillary canine was unerupted. Aspiration yielded straw-colored fluid, suggestive of a cystic lesion. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) showed a well-defined, unilocular radiolucency surrounding the crown of the unerupted canine, measuring approximately 2 × 2 cm and extending from the central incisor to the first molar. A provisional diagnosis of a dentigerous cyst was made. Surgical enucleation and removal of the impacted canine were performed under general anesthesia. Histopathological analysis confirmed an AOT arising from a dentigerous cyst.