AgNOR as an effective diagnostic tool for determining the proliferative nature of different types of odontogenic cysts

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proliferative nature of different types of odontogenic cysts using silver-stained nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty histopathological sections of each of odontogenic keratocyst, dentigerous, and radicular growth were taken into study. Two sections were produced using the paraffin block of separate cases, one was stained with hematoxylin and eosin and another segment was stained with silver nitrate method. RESULTS: AgNOR staining shows black dots and other parts of nuclei show yellow-brown dots. CONCLUSION: AgNOR, which stain for NOR-related proteins, corresponds to cell multiplication. Their amount regarding the number of AgNORs per cyst can be a good marker of the proliferative action of the cell in aggressive cystic lesion having malignant potential.