Treatment for Recurrent Odontogenic Keratocysts

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Surgical oncology
• Dental medicine

Background:

• The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) classification has evolved, now recognized as a benign tumor, sparking debate on optimal treatment strategies.
• Recurrence and patient morbidity remain significant concerns in managing OKC.
• Understanding the behavior of aggressive, multicystic OKCs is crucial for effective treatment planning.

Observation:

• Two cases of aggressive, multicystic odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are presented.
• Conservative treatment modalities were employed initially but failed to prevent lesion recurrence in both patients.
• The aggressive nature of the OKC in these cases necessitated a shift in treatment approach.

Findings:

• Conservative management of aggressive, multicystic odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) can lead to treatment failure and recurrence.
• Surgical resection of aggressive, multicystic OKCs offers a better chance for definitive treatment and reduced morbidity.
• The study highlights the limitations of conservative approaches for certain OKC presentations.

Implications:

• Treatment decisions for odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) require careful consideration of lesion aggressiveness and potential for recurrence.
• Surgical resection may be the preferred modality for aggressive, multicystic OKCs to ensure complete removal and minimize long-term complications.
• Further research into the biological behavior and optimal management of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) is warranted.