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The lateral periodontal cyst: an update
1Department of Oral Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, South Africa.
Summary
Lateral periodontal cysts are rare jaw cysts, often found in the anterior maxilla, differing from typical locations. Histological analysis revealed distinct subtypes and raised questions about their relationship with glandular odontogenic cysts.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Odontogenic cysts
- Dental histology
Background:
- Lateral periodontal cysts (LPCs) represent a small percentage of jaw cysts.
- Previous studies suggest a predilection for older males and the mandibular canine-premolar region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinicopathologic features of LPCs in a specific patient cohort.
- To investigate the histological variations and potential histogenesis of LPCs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 20 cases of lateral periodontal cysts.
- Histopathological examination of cyst linings, including cell types, epithelial thickenings, and glycogen presence.
- Comparison of histological features with other cystic lesions.
Main Results:
- 10 out of 20 cases were located in the anterior maxilla, challenging previous location data.
- Unicystic and multicystic (including botryoid) varieties were identified.
- Cysts were primarily lined by reduced enamel epithelium-like tissue with clear cells and plaques; glycogen was present in two-thirds of cases.
- Two botryoid cases showed distinct histology (non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium) and one had features resembling glandular odontogenic cysts.
Conclusions:
- The location of LPCs can vary, with a significant proportion found in the anterior maxilla.
- Histological diversity exists within LPCs, including variations in lining epithelium and presence of clear cells.
- Some histological features suggest a potential overlap or relationship between lateral periodontal cysts and glandular odontogenic cysts, warranting further investigation into their histogenesis, possibly from reduced enamel epithelium.