Lingual Gingival Cyst of the Adult

Gingival cysts of the adult (GCAs) are rare developmental soft tissue cysts usually found on the facial attached gingiva. Documented cases on the lingual aspect are extremely uncommon. This report details a lingual GCA along with distinguishing characteristics of this lesion.

The patient, a 37-year-old female, presented with a firm, round-shaped, bluish swelling on the lingual gingiva in the interproximal area between teeth #21 and #22. Radiographs revealed a circular radiolucency at the osseous crest. Surgical exploration showed cystic-appearing tissue with accompanying bone resorption. Histologic examination, along with clinical presentation, confirmed a diagnosis of gingival cyst. Healing was uneventful with no evidence of recurrence at a 5-month recall.

A GCA is usually of odontogenic origin and occurs typically in the attached gingiva of the mandibular premolar region. Occasionally, it demonstrates radiographic evidence of bone loss from pressure resorption. Its more frequent intraosseous counterpart, the lateral periodontal cyst, shares histopathologic characteristics with the GCA. These findings underscore the importance in establishing a definitive diagnosis.