Recurrence rate of odontogenic keratocysts: Clinical-radiographic characterization throughout a 48-year period

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to carry out a retrospective analysis and evaluate the recurrence rate of cases histopathologically diagnosed as odontogenic keratocysts in an Oral Pathology Service in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: The data of the present research were obtained from clinical files from our Service, and included information on patients’ age and sex, keratocysts’ anatomical location, association with teeth and radiographic aspect, type of biopsy, symptoms, type of data collected, treatment, recurrence, and possible association with Gorlin syndrome. Results: During the study period, 15,670 case records of maxillofacial lesions were obtained, of which 106 (0.67%) were histopathologically diagnosed as odontogenic keratocysts. Recurrence was observed in 13.2% of cases. Conclusions: The recurrence of odontogenic keratocysts was not associated with their anatomical location, the patient’s sex, or the radiographic appearance at the time of diagnosis. Odontogenic keratocysts were identified as a non-aggressive cystic lesion, with a low rate of recurrence when treated conservatively by decompression and surgical enucleation.