Two cases of mandibular radicular cysts with ciliated epithelium: an electron microscopic study

We studied two cases of mandibular radicular cysts lined in part with ciliated epithelium by examining them histopathologically and ultrastructurally. In addition, we examined the incidence of cilia in 205 radicular cysts in the biopsy materials collection in our Department. No other mandibular cysts having cilia in the lining were found, and so these were very rare. Regarding the histogenesis of the cilia, we consider that the development of cilia in mandibular radicular cysts may be due to true metaplasia rather than to adaptation which is a functional requisite of the lining epithelium for the unique cystic environment.