Case Series of Mandibular Glandular Odontogenic Cysts: Radiographic and Histopathological Evaluation

Glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs) have been previously documented in the literature as uncommon odontogenic cysts characterized by their aggressive nature and high recurrence rate. This study is aimed at documenting and analyzing the radiographic as well as the histopathological features of GOC in the mandible and correlating these characteristics to previously reported studies. This case series includes five male patients, aged between 32 and 50 years, who were interpreted using cone beam CT (CBCT) scans at the Oral Radiology Department of King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital between 2022 and 2023. All cases were reported histopathologically as GOC. The reported lesions were all located in the mandible, with three in the anterior region and two in the posterior region. Two lesions extended across the midline. Radiographically, two lesions were unilocular and three were multilocular, with straight, long septa intersecting at right angles to the outer border. The lesions exhibited well-defined, corticated borders with scalloping between roots. Effects on adjacent structures included thinning of the buccal/lingual cortical plates, expansion, inferior displacement of the mandibular canal, and tooth displacement, and one case showed loss of lamina dura, root resorption, and cortical border perforation. The microscopic examination of each case is described. Finally, GOC presents radiographic features similar to other odontogenic and neoplastic lesions such as odontogenic keratocyst, ameloblastoma, lateral periodontal cyst, residual cyst, and central giant cell granuloma. Accurate diagnosis requires careful histopathological examination and long-term follow-up to confirm the diagnosis and monitor for potential recurrences.