Odontogenic keratocysts: a 22-year epidemiological study and case report

Abstract

Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) is a cyst that presents local aggression and a high recurrence; thus, a better understanding of its clinical characteristics and treatment options is required. The aim of this study is to report a case and describe the epidemiology and characteristics of OKCs diagnosed at a referral service for patients with oral lesions. Patients with histopathological diagnosis of OKC were included in the sample over 22 years. The study highlights the demographic and clinical-radiological characteristics, as well as the treatment options. In addition, a case of an extensive OKC in the mandible is reported. 3064 medical records were analyzed and 16 cases of OKC (0.52%) were found, with two recurrences (12.5%). The mean age of the patients was 33.19 years, being the third decade of life more affected (31.25%), with equal prevalence for both sexes. The mandible was more affected (68.75%), mainly its body. The differential diagnosis included the dentigerous cyst (11.54%) and the ameloblastoma (11.54%). The most frequent treatment was the curettage enucleation (50%). In the reported case, enucleation associated with cryotherapy was performed, followed by rehabilitation with xenogen graft and osseointegrated implant. OKC presents a wide spectrum of differential diagnoses due to its non-specific clinical-radiographic characteristics. The case reported shows that treatments such as enucleation may be efficient when accompanied by adjuvant techniques.