Considerations on the classification of odontogenic tumours.

The histogenetic, organogenetic and embryological aspects of tooth development are used in 4 hypotheses which form a basis for understanding the formal genesis of benign odontogenic tumours. The ectomesenchyme which gives rise to odontoblasts and cementoblasts is distinguished from mesenchymal tissue. Using 4 histogenetic cell groups (epithelial, ectomesenchymal, neuroectodermal and mesenchymal), the various types of odontogenic tumour are discussed. A short analysis is presented of different odontogenic tumour classifications, and some principle problems of terminology and taxonomy are examined.