Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Decompression in Treating Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst Associated With Compound Odontoma: A 9-Year Follow-Up Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

A calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is a cystic lesion originating from odontogenic epithelium, exhibiting ameloblastomatous features and containing focal accumulations of ghost cells. The standard treatment for COC typically involves enucleation followed by surgical curettage. However, if the cyst is large or closely associated with anatomical structures, decompression may be considered as a preliminary step before enucleation. A 12-year-old male patient presented with swelling in the anterior mandibular region. Radiological assessment revealed an extensive radiolucent area crossing the mandibular midline, accompanied by radiopaque areas within the lesion. The diagnosis of COC associated with compound odontoma was confirmed. The treatment plan involved decompression, followed by enucleation. After over 9 years of follow-up, the patient showed satisfactory and effective outcomes, with no signs of recurrence. This therapeutic approach minimizes the morbidity and cost associated with extensive and invasive reconstructive surgeries.