Rare bilateral nasopalatine duct cysts: a case report

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pathology
• Radiology

Background:

• Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDC) are the most common non-odontogenic cysts of the jaws, arising from epithelial remnants.
• Typically unilateral or central, NPDCs often present asymptomatically, leading to incidental radiological diagnosis.
• Activation of epithelial remnants can be spontaneous or triggered by factors like infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation and management of a rare bilateral nasopalatine duct cyst.
• To emphasize the diagnostic process, integrating clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings.
• To discuss the standard therapeutic approach for NPDCs.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with bilateral nasopalatine duct cyst.
• Review of clinical, radiographic (panoramic and occlusal views), and histopathological findings.
• Surgical enucleation of the cystic lesions.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a rare bilateral nasopalatine duct cyst, confirmed by histopathology.
• Diagnosis was established through a combination of imaging and histopathological examination.
• Successful treatment involved surgical enucleation of both cystic tissues.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral nasopalatine duct cysts are rare but should be considered in differential diagnosis.
• Definitive diagnosis relies on integrated clinical, radiological, and histopathological assessment.
• Surgical enucleation is the primary treatment modality for nasopalatine duct cysts.