Modified Carnoy's Solution: A Multifaceted Adjunctive Modality for Treatment of Maxillofacial Cysts and Tumors

Since the debate about carcinogenic potential of Carnoy's solution (CS) in 2000s, many surgeons adopted the use of modified Carnoy's solution (MC). There are many studies comparing the effectiveness of MC with CS for treatment of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). Seldom are the studies defining versatility of MC in treating maxillofacial cysts and tumors. This case series aims to present diverse use of MC for treatment of maxillofacial cysts and tumors.

Patients who reported with maxillofacial cysts and tumors from February 2018 to February 2023, and for whom surgical enucleation/resection with chemical cauterization using MC was done, are included in the study. We treated 29 cases of maxillofacial cysts and tumors using MC as a chemical cauterizing agent. Among these, 14 cases were OKC, eight were ameloblastoma, four were odontogenic myxoma, and three were ossifying fibroma.

A total of 29 patients (18 males and 11 females) were included in the study. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Of the 29 cases, three cases were of anterior maxilla, out of which lesion recurred in two cases. Other complication reported was of paresthesia in two cases which resolved in 12 months.

Various treatment modalities are available to treat maxillofacial cysts and tumors but use of MC is an effective modality which reduces risk of recurrence. However, as it poses a risk of damage to surrounding neurovascular structures, caution is needed.