Microvessel Density in Follicular Cysts, Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumours and Ameloblastomas

Purpose: Multicystic ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial odontogenic tumor that exhibits a more aggressivebehavior than follicular cyst and keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). The aim of this study was to perform animmunohistochemical evaluation of the mean microvessel density (MVD) effect on clinical behavior of odontogeniclesions and to determine whether peritumoral or intratumoral MVD has a more prominent role in clinicalbehavior of odontogenic lesions.
Methods: In a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 45 paraffin blocks ofmentioned lesions were selected and stained immunohistochemically with CD34. Mean MVD, peritumoral andintratumoral MVD for each odontogenic lesion was investigated and compared with each other. ANOVA andKruskal 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 MVDdifference between the above mentioned lesions was statistically significant. (p<0.001) In all the odontogeniclesions, Intratumoral MVD was higher than peritumoral (pericystic) areas. (p=0.001)
Conclusion: There wasan increase of mean MVD in multicystic ameloblastoma in comparison to keratocystic odontogenic tumorand follicular cyst and it may be concluded as one of the main factors in multicystic ameloblastoma aggressivebehavior. Intratumoral (intracystic MVD) has a more prominent role in growth and clinical behavior of mentionedodontogenic lesions. This supports the hypothesis that the early stages of growth and development of follicularcyst, KCOT and multicystic ameloblastoma may share some similarities regarding angiogenesis.