Clinico-pathologic study of odontogenic cysts in a Mexican sample population

Background. Odontogenic cysts are uncommon lesions that frequently behave a gressively and attain a large size. Unfortunately, information on the relat ive incidence of these cysts from different populations is not abundant. In Mexico, for example, only a few examples have been reported. The aim of th is study was to ascertain the frequency of odontogenic cysts in a Mexican s ample and to compare these data with previously reported studies from other countries. Methods. The files of the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Diagnosis Servic e at the School of Dentistry at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) were reviewed and all accessions of odontogenic cysts were listed. Clinical and radiographic data were recorded and microscopic slides evaluat ed according to the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) classificat ion (1992). Results. Three hundred and four cases of odontogenic cysts (55.9% male pred ominance) were found. The most frequent odontogenic cysts were the followin g: periapical cyst (38.8%); dentigerous cyst (35.5%), and odontogenic kerat ocyst (18.8%). Periapical cyst was more frequent in females, and maxillary anterior teeth were most commonly involved. Dentigerous cysts appeared in m ales at a rate of 64.8%, this cyst found more frequently between the 1st an d 2nd decades of life and in the molar zone. Odontogenic keratocyst was mor e frequent in males (59.6%), between the 2nd and 4th decades of life and mo re common in the molar zone. Conclusions. More than 50% of the sample were aggressive cysts (dentigerous and keratocyst). Our results suggest that Mexican patients develop aggress ive odontogenic cysts more commonly than other populations. Our figures poi nt to the need for a precise diagnosis in order to institute the correct su rgical procedure, prevent recurrence, and forestall more extensive tissue d estruction. (C) 2000 IMSS, Published by Elsevier Science Inc.