Odontogenic keratocyst: Analysis of recurrence by AgNOR, p53 and MDM2 profiling

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a clinical entity with characteristic microscopic features, high growth potential and propensity to recur. Aggressive behavior and higher tendency for recurrence have been attributed to greater proliferative activity of epithelial lining. The incidence of recurrence in various reported series ranges from 2.5% to 62%. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical behavior of OKC by evaluating p53, MDM2 expression, AgNOR staining and to ascertain if the expression of these markers correlate with the clinical outcome and tendency for recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All recurrent and nonrecurrent OKCs from the archives were included, and sections were subjected to AgNOR staining, p53 and MDM2 immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in the staining pattern of MDM2 and AgNOR in the recurrent group as compared to the nonrecurrent group. The higher expression of these markers in recurrent lesions may be important in order to consider additional surgical interventions to improve prognosis.