Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: transformation of dentigerous cyst: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: transformation of dentigerous cyst

Sample item

The lining of a long-standing dentigerous cyst can rarely undergo neoplastic change. Into which tumour does it most commonly transform?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Ameloblastoma

A small proportion of dentigerous cysts develop an ameloblastoma in the lining, mostly the unicystic type. Radiographically the lesion may stay unilocular, so the whole cyst wall should be submitted to histology.

Option by option

  • A. Pindborg tumour

    Pindborg tumour is a rare epithelial tumour and is not the usual outcome.

  • B. Ameloblastoma (correct)

    Correct. Ameloblastoma is the commonest neoplasm arising from a dentigerous cyst lining.

  • C. Compound odontoma

    Compound odontoma is a hamartoma and not a transformation of the cyst.

  • D. Odontogenic myxoma

    Odontogenic myxoma arises from the ectomesenchyme and not the cyst lining.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Ameloblastoma. A small proportion of dentigerous cysts develop an ameloblastoma in the lining, mostly the unicystic type.

Why is "Pindborg tumour" not the answer?

Pindborg tumour is a rare epithelial tumour and is not the usual outcome.

Why is "Compound odontoma" not the answer?

Compound odontoma is a hamartoma and not a transformation of the cyst.

Why is "Odontogenic myxoma" not the answer?

Odontogenic myxoma arises from the ectomesenchyme and not the cyst lining.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: transformation of dentigerous cyst in Dentistry. Radiographically the lesion may stay unilocular, so the whole cyst wall should be submitted to histology.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: transformation of dentigerous cyst?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.