Immunoexpression of metallothionein, Ki‐67 and <scp>PCNA</scp> in dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity

Abstract Objective To assess the immunoexpression of metallothionein and cell proliferation markers (Ki‐67 and PCNA) in a series of cases comprising four dermoid cysts and six epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity. Materials and Methods The percentages of nuclear and/or cytoplasmic staining in the basal and suprabasal layers of the cysts' epithelial lining were assessed. Results This study included six males and four females, with a mean age of 33.1 years. The floor of the mouth was affected in 40% of the cases. The expression of metallothionein, Ki‐67, and PCNA was observed in all cases examined. For both lesions, the basal layer exhibited higher cytoplasmic and nuclear/cytoplasmic expression of metallothionein. Dermoid cysts exhibited higher expression of Ki‐67 and PCNA compared to epidermoid cysts in both basal and suprabasal layers, with a more pronounced expression in the suprabasal layers. Conclusions Our results indicate that metallothionein is present in the epithelial lining of both dermoid and epidermoid cysts of the oral cavity. The cell proliferation indices observed in both conditions reflect their benign nature and slow growth.