Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report

Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma (CCOC) is a slow-growing, locally invasive odontogenic tumor affecting the jaws. It usually has confusing clinical characteristics, radiographical and histological features, making its recognition more challenging. In (2005), the WHO has reclassified CCOC as a malignant odontogenic tumor due to its aggressive behavior. This case report is about a woman who aged 42 years old, experienced swelling of the lower jaw and complained of paresthesia of the lips for two years. Radiographic findings showed an extensive, large, multilocular radiolucency lesion associated with scalloping, non-sclerotic border, and crossing the midline of the mandible. Histopathologically, the high-power view illustrated lobules of clear epithelial cells with clear cytoplasm. A review of English literature in PubMed Medline revealed few similar cases of CCOC affecting the mandible. The definitive diagnosis was consistent with CCOC; therefore, the patient was admitted to the hospital and surgical resection of the mandibular tumor was performed under general anesthesia. Long-term follow-up visits showed no signs of recurrence or post-surgical complications. We explain the signs and symptoms of CCOC such as symptomatic or asymptomatic jaw swelling, teeth loosening, displacement and mobility of teeth, and thinning of the mandible. Also, differential diagnosis and the nature of CCOC under the microscope were discussed and explained. The presentation of clear cell tumors is challenging, and it needs a meticulous investigation to determine the type of the tumor for proper diagnosis and management. CCOC should be included in the differential diagnosis list of jaw swelling that associated with slow-growing mass and paresthesia in the affected jaw.