Naso-palatine duct cyst

If present, symptoms of naso-palatine duct cyst are swelling, mainly in the anterior part of the palate, sometimes associated with pain. The cyst can easily be seen on X-ray, especially on the occlusal view. Differential diagnostic problems are mainly limited to a dentigerous cyst of a mesiodens and to periapical lesions of the central incisors. Histologically, various types and combinations of epithelial lining can be found. In the cyst wall the identification of mucous glands, nerves and large blood vessels is rather frequent. Although the histology in itself is not always very typical for a naso-palatine duct cyst, the diagnosis can almost always be made with confidence on the basis of the clinical, radiographic and microscopic features. Only if very specific or pertinent clinical features are present, is removal indicated.