Conservative management of a large Odontogenic Keratocyst: A case report

Abstract

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a developmental cyst of the jaw which arises from odontogenic epithelium. OKCs have been considered to be cystic neoplasms and called keratocystic odontogenic tumors in WHO classification in 2005. Although reclassified as cysts by WHO in 2007, OKCs are characterized by clinically aggressive behavior and a high risk of recurrence.This report presents a clinical case of a male 22 years old patient, presenting an intraosseous lesion in the mandible (left side), asymptomatic, with a slight increase in intraoral buccal volume. The patient was submitted to the surgical decompression treatment, with a cystic fluid puncture, biopsy of the lesion, and anatomopathological examination. Enucleation of the tumor was then performed, after performing endodontic treatment on the necrotic tooth.It is a benign intraosseous cyst of the odontogenic origin, characterized by an aggressive behavior with a relatively high recurrence rate. OKC is mostly presented in the 2nd and 3rd decades and predominantly affects males. It affects the mandible more than the maxilla and is frequently found at the angle of the mandible. OKC can radiographically clinically and mimic other benign and less aggressive lesions. It is therefore important to differentiate them from other cysts and tumors, for proper treatment and reduction of recurrences.

Keywords

• Odontogenic keratocyst
• Odontogenic cysts
• Keratocystic odontogenic tumor
• Jaw cysts
• Case report