Histological parameters Histological description
Surface eosinophilic cuboidal cells Also called ''hobnail cells''. These cells are present on the surface of the cyst lining and resemble cuboidal cells of the reduced enamel epithelium that lines dental follicles and dentigerous cysts.
Intraepithelial microcysts or duct-like spaces lined by a single layer of cuboidal to columnar cells similar to surface cells Sometimes the microcysts are lined by mucous goblet cells. These microcysts may contain mucous pools, eosinophilic material, or may appear to be empty. In areas, the microcysts may open onto the surface of the lining epithelium.
Apocrine snouting of hobnail cells Sometimes the hobnail cells demonstrate ''pinching off'' of the surface similar to decapitation secretion seen in cells that line apocrine gland ducts.
Clear or vacuolated cells These cells contain clear cytoplasm and may be present in the basal and/or parabasal layers. The clear cytoplasm is due to glycogen in some cases. In areas of attenuated cyst lining, clear basal cells may be directly subjacent to the surface eosinophilic cuboidal cells.
Variable thickness of the cyst lining This was recorded as positive only if marked variability in the thickness of the cyst lining was present.
Papillary projections or ''tufting'' into the cyst lumen These papillary projections sometimes are formed by several microcysts opening onto the surface of the cyst lining, but may also be formed independent of microcysts.
Mucous goblet cells These cells may be present singly or in small clusters on the surface or within the cyst lining. They may also line microcysts.
Epithelial spheres or plaque-like thickenings These are identical to those seen in lateral periodontal cysts or botryoid odontogenic cysts. Sometimes the epithelium in these plaques exhibits swirling or spherule formation.
Multiple compartments Multiple cystic spaces similar to those seen in botryoid odontogenic cysts.
Cilia These are true cilia on the surface of eosinophilic cuboidal cells, and are distinct from apocrine snouting.