Epidermoid cyst in the right mandible: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Objective To discuss the possible etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of epidermoid cysts of the jaw and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods A case of an epidermoid cyst in the right mandible with retained deciduous teeth and succedaneous impacted teeth was reviewed and analyzed in combination with the relevant literature. Results A patient presented with a mass in the right mandible that had persisted for 1 month after being found at imaging examination. Tooth 83 was retained, and tooth 43 was unerupted. Swelling was characterized by no obvious tenderness, fluctuation, or table tennis sensation and was observed in the lingual alveoli of teeth 83, 44, and 45. Imaging revealed a low-density shadow in the apex of teeth 83, 44, 45, and 46, approximately 1.9 cm × 2.6 cm × 1.6 cm in size, which wrapped around the dental crown of tooth 43. Preliminary diagnoses were as follows: right mandibular mass thought to be a dentigerous cyst; impacted tooth 43; and retained primary tooth 83. The mass in the right mandible was removed, and teeth 43 and 83 were extracted under intravenous and inhalation anesthesia. During the operation, the mass was observed to have a thin cyst wall and contained bean-like residue. Histopathological examination indicated an epidermoid cyst in the right mandible. At the 1-week follow-up examination, the patient reported no discomfort, and the surgical area showed good recovery. According to the literature, epidermoid cysts are benign cysts originating from ectopic ectodermal tissue that can occur throughout the body but rarely in the oral cavity and are even extremely rarer in the jaw. Epidermoid cysts of the jaw, which have no specific clinical manifestations, can be confused with odontogenic cysts such as dentigerous cysts and odontogenic tumors. Dental pulp tests and other techniques can serve as a reference for clinicians. The diagnosis is confirmed via histopathology. Surgical removal is a common treatment, with a good prognosis and a low recurrence rate. Conclusion The principle of treatment for an epidermoid cyst of the jaw is similar to that for a jaw cyst. The prognosis is good when the cyst is removed completely.

Keywords

• mandible|epidermoid cyst|retained primary teeth|impacted teeth|ectoderm|cone beam ct|dental pulp test