Decompression for management of keratocystic odontogenic tumor in the mandible

J Craniofac Surg. 2012 Nov;23(6):e639-40. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e31827101e9.

Abstract

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a benign intraosseous neoplasm of odontogenic origin with high recurrence rate. To date, various conservative or aggressive management strategies have been suggested as a method of treatment. Decompression is a conservative method that has been used in the treatment of large odontogenic cysts. The present paper reports a case of KCOT located in the mandible and discusses the importance of its management using conservative methods. The authors present a case of a 38-year-old patient with a KCOT located in the right mandibular angle and ascending ramus, which was treated by decompression followed by enucleation and curettage. The lesion did not recur during a follow-up period of 3 years after surgery. Preserving important structures of the bone and soft tissue decompression is a method with low morbidity. In addition, according to the literature, decompression has a success rate at least as high as the one of most aggressive treatments.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Curettage
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mandibular Neoplasms / pathology
  • Mandibular Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Odontogenic Tumors / pathology
  • Odontogenic Tumors / surgery*
  • Surgical Flaps