Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: recurrence of odontogenic myxoma: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: recurrence of odontogenic myxoma

Sample item

Why does an odontogenic myxoma often recur after simple curettage?

AIt has no capsule and its gelatinous tissue infiltrates marrow spacesBIt arises from the rests of MalassezCIt spreads through the lymphaticsDIt transforms into a sarcoma early

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. It has no capsule and its gelatinous tissue infiltrates marrow spaces

Odontogenic myxoma is a benign tumour of myxoid, gelatinous tissue without a capsule, which infiltrates the marrow spaces. Curettage leaves tumour behind, so enucleation is inadequate and resection with a margin is often advised for larger lesions.

Option by option

A. It has no capsule and its gelatinous tissue infiltrates marrow spaces (correct)
Correct. Lack of a capsule and infiltration of marrow spaces cause incomplete removal.
B. It arises from the rests of Malassez
The tumour arises from ectomesenchyme of the tooth germ and not from rests of Malassez.
C. It spreads through the lymphatics
Lymphatic spread does not occur in this benign tumour.
D. It transforms into a sarcoma early
Malignant transformation is rare and is not the reason for recurrence.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is A, It has no capsule and its gelatinous tissue infiltrates marrow spaces. Odontogenic myxoma is a benign tumour of myxoid, gelatinous tissue without a capsule, which infiltrates the marrow spaces.

Why is "It arises from the rests of Malassez" not the answer?

The tumour arises from ectomesenchyme of the tooth germ and not from rests of Malassez.

Why is "It spreads through the lymphatics" not the answer?

Lymphatic spread does not occur in this benign tumour.

Why is "It transforms into a sarcoma early" not the answer?

Malignant transformation is rare and is not the reason for recurrence.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: recurrence of odontogenic myxoma in Dentistry. Curettage leaves tumour behind, so enucleation is inadequate and resection with a margin is often advised for larger lesions.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral pathology: cysts and odontogenic tumours: recurrence of odontogenic myxoma?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.