A prospective study was conducted on 82 odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) diag
nosed in 80 patients over a 25 year period. The clinical and radiographic d
ata were correlated, which resulted in an accurate picture of the clinical
presentation, relationship with teeth and incidence of lingual perforations
in mandibular OKCs. In 40% of the cysts no suspicion had arisen before sur
gery, in 60% the diagnosis was secured before surgery. This last group of p
atients was treated according to a defined protocol, with the exception of
the maxillary OKCs, which entailed excision of the attached, overlying muco
sa and enucleation of the cyst after which the defect was treated with Carn
oy's solution. The other patients underwent just enucleation of the cysts.
For the first 5 years the patients were seen every year, thereafter every 2
years if possible. Recurrences (9/82) were mainly found in the patients in
which the cyst had just been enucleated. Only three cysts recurred in the
group treated according to the above mentioned protocol. Most recurrences p
resented within 5 years, but late recurrences did occur even after 25 years
. The aetiology and pathogenesis of OKCs is briefly discussed in the light
of the present findings. It is concluded that the suggested treatment proto
col and follow-up schedule provides a safe means to manage a lesion that is
known to recur and may even give rise to life threatening situations.