Maxillary odontogenic keratocyst presenting as palatal sinus

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are developmental cysts characterized by a high recurrence rate and aggressive local bone destruction.
• They typically present with a bimodal age distribution and are more frequently found in the mandible.
• OKCs are often asymptomatic, with diagnosis frequently occurring incidentally during routine radiological examinations.

Observation:

• This report details an unusual case of an odontogenic keratocyst.
• The patient presented at 70 years of age, an atypical demographic for OKC presentation.
• The cyst was located in the maxillary canine region and manifested as a chronic palatal pus-discharging sinus.

Findings:

• The case underscores that odontogenic keratocysts can occur in older individuals.
• The maxillary canine region, while less common, can be a site for OKC development.
• A chronic draining sinus is a potential, albeit uncommon, mode of presentation for OKCs.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of the clinical spectrum and demographic variations of odontogenic keratocysts.
• It highlights the importance of considering OKCs in the differential diagnosis of maxillary cystic lesions, even in older patients.
• Awareness of atypical presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management of recurrent odontogenic keratocysts.