Radiographic assessment of a keratocystic odontogenic tumour using cone-beam computed tomography

The keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT), formerly known as the odontogenic keratocyst, is a benign intra-osseous odontogenic tumour. The KCOT is characterised by a potential for locally destructive behaviour and a relatively high recurrence rate. Most KCOT are incidentally discovered as well-defined unilocular or multilocular radiolucencies on routine panoramic radiographs.

A 15-year-old boy was referred to dental care with a non-syndromic KCOT in the right angle of the mandible. Using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a diagnostic instrument for precise assessment of the KCOT, the exact location of the lesion was determined.

The cystic formation was enucleated without peripheral ostectomy.

At post-operative follow-up after 3 and 6 months, the boy reported no pain and there was no residual swelling or fracture. Imaging was planned after 1 year to decide whether further surgical treatment is indicated.

The CBCT is considered beneficial in cases of cystic formations to determine the localisation and borders of the lesion in all three dimensions.