The management of aggressive cysts of the jaws

There are essentially six types of aggressive cysts of the jaws that require special attention, so as to avoid recurrence, or even worse, widespread disease. They include, botryoid cysts, cysts in which carcinoma's arise, glandular odontogenic cysts, calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour, previously called calcifying odontogenic cyst and unicystic ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumor, previously called odontogenic keratocysts. The estimated incidence of these cysts, based on some review studies has been discussed. The main issue, however, when treating a cyst of the jaws is; how sure can one be that the lesion is benign or potentially aggressive? In order to answer this question it is important to know how these cysts commonly present. The clinical presentation, frequency of occurrence and suggested modes of treatment has been addressed.