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Pathology · single question

A panoramic radiograph shows tooth #17 retained/impacted against #18, with a radiolucency surrounding the mid-crown of tooth #17. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC)
  2. Dentigerous (follicular) cyst
  3. Radicular (periapical) cyst
  4. Cementoblastoma
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Dentigerous (follicular) cyst

Dentigerous cyst forms around the crown of an impacted/unerupted tooth — radiolucency attaches at the CEJ and surrounds the crown. Second most common odontogenic cyst. Classic scenario: impacted tooth + pericoronal radiolucency. Source confirms: 'quiste dentigero.'
  • A. OKC/KCOT is aggressive with distinctive histology — while it can occur with impacted teeth, dentigerous cyst is the classic first diagnosis.
  • B. CORRECT. Dentigerous (follicular) cyst — forms around crown of impacted tooth at CEJ. Classic pericoronal radiolucency.
  • C. Radicular cyst forms at ROOT APEX of non-vital tooth — not associated with crown of impacted teeth.
  • D. Cementoblastoma attaches to the ROOT (not crown) — presents as a radiopaque mass fused to root with radiolucent rim.

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