Clinical and radiologic spectrum of glandular odontogenic cysts: A multicenter study of 92 cases

Objective : The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to report the clinical and radiological features of 92 glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs) diagnosed over a 20-year period. Study Design : Histologically confirmed cases of GOC were retrospectively reviewed from four Oral Pathology laboratories in South Africa and Brazil to categorize the clinical and radiological spectrum of GOCs. Results : The mean age of patients was 46 years (range 17-87) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. GOCs had a mandibular predilection (68%), with 42% of all cases located anteriorly. Additionally, 42% of cases crossed the midline. Radiologically, most lesions were unilocular (53%) and uniformly radiolucent (97%), with well-demarcated borders (93%). Cortical expansion (62%), loss of cortical integrity (71%), and maxillary sinus (67%) and nasal cavity encroachment (72%) were common findings. Significant differences in lesions between the two countries were discovered in sex predilection, clinical signs and symptoms, and lesion locations within the mandible and maxilla. Conclusion : GOCs present with a wide spectrum of clinical and radiological features, ranging from cysts with typical GOC-like presentations to more aggressive lesions. The need for advanced imaging in the surgical planning of GOCs exhibiting radiological signs of aggression is justified based on the high recurrence rate.