Clinical and radiologic spectrum of glandular odontogenic cysts : a multicenter study of 92 cases

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to report the clinical and radiologic features of 92 glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs) diagnosed over a 20-year period. STUDY DESIGN : Histologically confirmed cases of GOC were retrospectively reviewed from 4 oral pathology laboratories in South Africa and Brazil to categorize the clinical and radiologic spectrum of GOCs. RESULTS : The mean age of patients was 46 years (range 17-87) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. GOCs had a mandibular predilection (68%), with 42% of all cases located anteriorly. Additionally, 42% of cases crossed the midline. Radiologically, most lesions were unilocular (53%) and uniformly radiolucent (97%), with well-demarcated borders (93%). Cortical expansion (62%), loss of cortical integrity (71%), and maxillary sinus (67%) and nasal cavity encroachment (72%) were common findings. Significant differences in lesions between the 2 countries were discovered in sex predilection, clinical signs and symptoms, and lesion locations within the mandible and maxilla. CONCLUSION : GOCs present with a wide spectrum of clinical and radiologic features, ranging from cysts with typical GOC-like presentations to more aggressive lesions. The need for advanced imaging in the surgical planning of GOCs exhibiting radiologic signs of aggression is justified based on the high recurrence rate.