The pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions remains unclear; however, a probable explanation may involve the existence of tumor stem cells (TSCs), which are thought to generate both benign and malignant tumors. The preservation of stem cells during early dental development is governed by many transcription factors, including sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX-2). Numerous studies observed the increased expression of SOX2 in various benign and malignant tumors, as its impact on tumorigenesis varies according to tumor type. The purpose of this study is to assess the immunoexpression of the stem cell marker SOX2 in diverse types of odontogenic cysts and tumors in order to identify its prognostic significance and to show if it correlates to clinicopathologic parameters of those odontogenic lesions.

Forty-five surgical specimens were included in this study: 15 ameloblastomas (Ab), 15 odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), and 15 dentigerous cysts (DC). An immunohistochemical (IHC) study using the SOX2 Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody was done, and SOX2 expression was evaluated by two methods: computer-assisted digital image analysis to measure staining surface area percentage and a semi-quantitative method for subjectively scoring percentage and intensity of SOX2 staining. Positive specimens were considered when the nucleus had brown staining.

Inclusion criteria:

1. Patients with benign odontogenic cysts and tumors which presented either in Maxilla or Mandible ( as indicated by incisional biopsies )

Exclusion criteria:

1. Patients with systemic diseases that absolutely contraindicate surgical procedures.
2. Malignant odontogenic tumors.

male and female

Patients in the Outpatient Clinic of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University.