Peripheral epithelial odontogenic tumors: a review.

Peripheral (extraosseous or soft tissue) odontogenic tumors are rare lesions that occur in the soft tissue overlying the tooth-bearing areas of the mandible and the maxilla. A review of the English-language literature revealed only 48 well-documented cases of peripheral epithelial odontogenic tumors. Thirty-two were peripheral ameloblastomas; six were peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumors; nine were peripheral calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors; and one was a peripheral squamous odontogenic tumor. An additional four cases were reported as peripheral ameloblastomas in extragingival locations, but their odontogenic origin is debatable. Although the peripheral ameloblastoma is histologically similar to its central counterpart, it differs in its clinical features and biologic behavior. It does not exhibit an aggressive, destructive behavior and does not invade the underlying bone. Conservative excision of the tumor with minimal but adequate margins is the treatment of choice and recurrences are uncommon. This benign biologic behavior appears to be true also for lesions diagnosed as peripheral calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors and undoubtedly is true for the peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumors.