GLANDULAR ODONTOGENIC CYSTS - DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Four cases of glandular odontogenic cyst are reported. Review of these and 13 previously reported cases indicates that they present as slowl y growing, painless, radiolucent swellings with a predilection for the anterior part of the mandible. An incisional biopsy is essential to e stablish a definitive preoperative diagnosis. The unpredictable and po tentially aggressive nature of these lesions is suggested by their ext ensive nature, penetration of cortical bone, locally invasive potentia l, and high incidence of recurrence after conservative treatment. In v iew of this behavior we suggest en bloc excision and primary reconstru ction to ensure cure and reduce the operative morbidity.