History

51 yo, M

A well-demarcated, corticated radiolucency at the apex of upper incisor teeth.

Gross Findings

The biopsy consisted of about 1 cm sac-like cystic mass.

Microscopic Findings

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Final Diagnosis:

RADICULAR CYST

• The most common jaw cyst
  • accounting for about 60% of all odontogenic cysts
• A peak incidence in the 4th and 5th decades, a slight male predilection
• The most common site: the anterior maxilla ( 40-50%), followed by the lower molar area

Treatment

• Extraction of the causative tooth or root canal treatment remove the cause
• Enucleation of the cyst is rarely followed by recurrence

Take-Home Messages

• Should be associated with the root of a non-vital tooth (carious, root canal treated, or history of trauma)
• Need clinical-radiological evaluation to exclude the diagnosis of inflamed developmental odontogenic cysts
• Long-standing cysts are less inflamed and have a more regular thin epithelium.