Pathology · single question
A periapical X-ray shows a periapical radiolucency with a histology report of stratified squamous epithelium lining. This is MOST likely:
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Correct answer: A. Periapical (radicular) cyst
- A. Correct. A periapical radiolucency lined by STRATIFIED SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM is definitively a PERIAPICAL (RADICULAR) CYST. The epithelium derives from the rests of Malassez that proliferate in response to chronic periapical inflammation. Periapical cysts are the most common odontogenic cysts overall.
- B. A periapical GRANULOMA is the most common periapical lesion but has NO epithelial lining — it is chronically inflamed connective tissue. It cannot be distinguished from a cyst radiographically but the histopathology definitively differentiates them.
- C. Condensing osteitis is a radiopaque reaction to low-grade infection — not a radiolucency.
- D. Acute alveolar abscess is a purulent infection — it would not have an epithelial lining.