Neoplastic Dental Abnormalities

Odontomes are tumour-like masses found within the jaws that contain dental tissues (enamel, dentine cementum) in varying proportions and at varying stages of development. Odontomes occur in humans and have been identified in many other animals including one in Papio but their rarity probably explains why none have been identified in great apes. Teeth and tooth tissues can grow at sites beyond the jaws in ovarian teratomas (dermoid cysts). Teeth with apparently normal morphology and histology, as well as others that are harder to identify, are found mixed with other tissues such as skin, and hair in these tumours.