Epidemiological evaluation of jaw cysts according to the new WHO classification: a 30-year retrospective analysis.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiology of maxillofacial odontogenic and non-odontogenic cysts diagnosed for 30 years in a Brazilian population. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Biopsy records were obtained from the archives of a Brazilian referral center between 1989 and 2019. Data regarding age, gender, anatomical location, and histopathological diagnosis were collected and categorized. Further, a literature search for similar studies was performed. A total of 6.994 biopsy records were evaluated, but only 367 (5.24%) cases were classified as odontogenic cysts (OC) or non-odontogenic cysts (NOC). Among all cystic lesions, 341 cases (92.9%) were OC and 26 cases (7.1%) were NOC. These lesions were more common in females (n = 208 / 56.67%) and located mostly in the mandible (n = 195 / 53.1%). In patients with OC, the radicular cyst was the most frequent (n = 134 / 36.5%), followed by the dentigerous cyst (n = 101 / 27.5%) and the odontogenic keratocyst (n = 52 / 14.2%). Patients with NOC had a higher frequency of epidermoid cyst (n = 12 / 3.3%), oral lymphoepithelial cyst (n = 7 / 1.9%), and nasopalatine duct cyst (n = 4 / 1.1%). The OCs were more prevalent than NOCs, and inflammatory cysts were the most common among all the OCs.

Non-neoplastic jaw cysts: a 30-year epidemiological study of 2150 cases in the Italian population.

Non-neoplastic jaw cyst (NJC) is one of the most common lesions in oral cavity, but there are only few detailed and extended epidemiological data based on the 2017 WHO classification. The aim of this study was to perform an epidemiological analysis of all NJCs treated from 1990 to 2019 at the Marche Polytechnic University, and to compare these data with those published in the literature. This retrospective study considered 2060 patients treated from 1990 to 2019. The NJCs were classified according to the 2017 WHO classification, and the main clinicopathological variables were analysed (sex, age, diagnosis, site of onset, size, and recurrences). Of 2150 total lesions, there were 2095 primary cysts and 55 recurrences; men are more frequently affected than women (M/F ratio of 1.73:1). The mean age of occurrence was 46.6 years, with a peak of frequency in the fifth decade. The mandible was more frequently involved than the maxilla, with a mean size of 1.9cm. Radicular cyst was the most frequently diagnosed cyst (56.6%), followed by dentigerous cyst (23.4%) and odontogenic keratocyst (12.9%). This is the first epidemiological study on NJCs in the Italian population according to 2017 WHO classification.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of 5294 Jaw Cysts: A Retrospective Study of 38 Years.

The aim of the present study is to report the demographic and clinical characteristics of all jaw cysts diagnosed in a single Oral Pathology Department. 5294 cases of jaw cysts diagnosed during a 38-year period were retrospectively collected and classified according to the latest classification of Head and Neck Tumors of the World Health Organization. The patients' gender and age, as well as the main clinical features of the cysts were retrieved from biopsy report forms. Jaw cysts were more common in male patients, with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Most patients were in the 4th-6th decade of life, with a mean age of 42.3 ± 16.1 years. There was no jaw predilection and the majority of lesions were more commonly encountered in the anterior region of the maxilla, followed by the molar region of the mandible. The most common jaw cyst was radicular cyst followed by dentigerous cyst, residual cyst and odontogenic keratocyst. The majority of jaw cysts are of inflammatory origin and represent a sequale of pulp necrosis. However, other type of jaw cysts may also be found.

Odontogenic and nonodontogenic cysts: An analysis of 526 cases in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the age, gender, and sites of different types of odontogenic cysts (OCs) and non-OCs (nOCs) (seen in eastern Anatolian population in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data were collected from the clinical records and histopathology reports of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Oral Pathology, Ataturk University, Turkey, during a period of 10 years. They were analyzed descriptively in terms of incidence, age, sex, cyst type, and site. RESULTS: A total of 526 cysts were diagnosed during a 10-year period. Of these, 330 (62.7%) were in males, and 196 (37.3%) were in females, the male:female ratio was 1.7:1. There were 509 (96.8%) OCs and 17 (3.2%) nOCs. There were 406 (77.2%) inflammatory OCs and 103 (19.6%) developmental OCs. Radicular cysts were the most frequent (66.4%), followed by dentigerous (19.2%) and residual (10.8%) cysts. Only nasopalatine duct cyst was found as nOC in this study (3.2%). CONCLUSION: The distribution of jaw cysts in the Turkish Eastern Anatolian population is relatively similar to that of other populations reported in previous studies in the literature, in which most OCs were of inflammatory origin. However, the relative rates of cysts were higher than those reported in other studies.

Cystic lesions of the jaws: a retrospective clinicopathologic study of 2030 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform an epidemiologic analysis of cases of jaw cysts treated from 1973 to 2012 at the Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the Verona Hospital, Italy, and to compare the data obtained with those published in the literature. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective survey of 2030 patients treated for jaw cysts from 1973 to 2012 was performed. The lesions were classified according to the 2005 World Health Organization histologic classification, and the following variables were analyzed: age, gender, histopathologic diagnosis, and site of onset. RESULTS: Of 2030 total lesions, there were 1970 odontogenic cysts (97.04%), 50 nonodontogenic cysts (2.46%), and 10 pseudocysts (0.49%). Of the patients, 314 were children (15.47%), and 1716 were adults (84.53%). Mean age was 37.24 years, with a male/female ratio of 1.71:1. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide variety of cysts, some of which are subject to variations according to gender, localization, and age.

Simple and aneurysmal bone cyst: Aspects of jaw pseudocysts based on an experience of Brazilian pathology service during 53 years

BACKGROUND: Jaw pseudocysts are benign osseous lesions of unclear etiology. Among these, the simple bone cyst (SBC) and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) are intriguing bone pathologies still rarely studied together. This retrospective study aimed to present the long-term case series of patients with jaw pseudocysts focusing on the clinical, radiographic, and transoperative aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective case series of patients with SBC and ABC was performed. Clinical, radiographic, and transoperative aspects of both pseudocysts were reviewed from the histopathological archives of 20,469 cases between 1959-2012. All descriptive data were summarized. RESULTS: Of 354 (15.25%) bone pathologies, 54 cases of jaw pseudocysts were found, with 42 (11.86%) SBC and 12 (3.39%) ABC cases. For both lesions, most of the sample were young Caucasian women with an asymptomatic posterior mandible lesion with undetermined time of evolution and none trauma history. A unique radiolucent scalloped lesion presenting an empty cavity were also observed for both conditions. However, some atypical findings were found for SBC including: the expansion of bone cortical, tooth resorption, displacement of the mandibular canal, and recurrence. The absence of painful symptoms and the lack of classical blood-filled cavity were observed in some cases of ABC. CONCLUSIONS: The SBC and ABC are bone pathologies with few retrospective studies, no previous studies on the two conditions, varied nomenclature, and atypical aspects in some cases. Therefore, the knowledge of clinical, imaging, and transoperative features of such pseudocysts are clinically valuable as diagnosis hypothesis of radiolucent lesions of the jaws

Quistes maxilares: tratamiento combinado / Jaw cysts: a combinatioin therapy

Objetivo: proteger y preservar las estructuras adyacentes en el tratamiento de quistes de gran tamaño. Caso clínico: en este artículo se compartirán dos casos clínicos de lesiones quísticas de pacientes que han concurrido al servicio de Cirugía Bucomaxilofacial del Hospital Interzonal de Agudos San Roque de Manuel B. Gonnet. Conclusión: se debe confeccionar un correcto diagnóstico y elaborar un plan de tratamiento oportuno que permita le eliminación de la lesión y la neoformación ósea.

Ameloblastomatous Change in Radicular Cyst of The Jaw in a Nigerian Population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, age, gender, jaw-sites and subtypes of radicular cyst, and to determine the incidence of ameloblastomatous change in radicular cyst in a Nigerian population. METHOD: A 10-year retrospective analysis of all diagnosed orofacial lesions in the Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. RESULTS: From the 785 diagnosed orofacial lesions within the study period; there were 54 (6.9%) cases of radicular cysts of the jaws. The peak age group was the 3(rd) decade (n=23, 42.6%) with a mean age of 31 ± 1.7 years. There were 29 (53.7%) males and 25 (46.3%) females, giving a ratio of 1.2:1. The mandible was the commonest jaw-site (n=32, 59.3%). There were 12 (22.2%) cases of periapical cyst which were significantly associated with anterior maxillary site (n=8, 14.8%) [p=0.001]. Seven (13.0%) cases of cystic ameloblastoma were diagnosed among the radicular cysts, with a predilection of the lesions for 3(rd) and 4(th) decades of life (n=6, 11.1%), and posterior mandible (n=5, 9.3%). CONCLUSION: This study showed a low incidence of radicular cyst of the jaw among orofacial lesions and a relatively higher incidence of ameloblastomatous change in radicular cyst compared to previous reports. Immuno-histochemical examination is recommended to differentiate radicular cyst with ameloblastomatous-like change from cystic ameloblastoma arising from radicular cyst.

Jaw cysts diagnosed in an Italian population over a 20-year period.

BACKGROUND: Cysts of the jaws (JCs) are an important topic of oral pathology, but few epidemiological data are present in the literature, in particular about the potential of recurrence. The aim of this study was to describe a case series of JCs from a single institution, evaluating the frequency, the site, the age distribution, and the percentage of recurrence of all types of JCs. METHODS: All JCs present in the histological records of the Section of Anatomic Pathology of the University of Bologna at Bellaria Hospital from 1992 to 2012 were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 1136 jaws cysts were obtained, of which 1117 (98.3%) were odontogenic and 19 (1.7%) were nonodontogenic. About odontogenic cysts (OCs), the most frequent was the radicular cyst (538 cases), followed by parakeratinized keratocystic odontogenic tumor (pKOT, 193 cases) and dentigerous cyst (120 cases). Among pKOT, 21 out of 193 cases (10.89%) showed a recurrence after a mean time of 4.5 years (range, 1-12 years). During follow-up (mean 11 years, range 1-19 years), all 3 cases of botrioid cysts, 12 out of 46 cases of unicystic ameloblastoma (26.09%), 2 out of 20 cases of calcifying OCs (10%) and 2 out of 538 cases of radicular cyst (0.37%) showed a recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that the distribution pattern of JCs in Italy is relatively similar to other studies worldwide and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the different histological types of JCs for their potential local aggressive behavior.

Demographic profile of oral nonodontogenic cysts in a Brazilian population

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of oral nonodontogenic cysts (ONOC) in a Brazilian population over a 53-year period and to compare this data with the literature.Study DESIGN: A total of 20.391 biopsies records were evaluated, from April/1959 to August/2012. Cases of oral developmental cysts were selected. Data regarding age, gender, time of evolution, and anatomic site of all cases were collected. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Among 20.391 oral biopsies, 71 (0.35%) met the criteria of ONOC. Females accounted for 50.70% of all cases. The mean age observed was 38.14 years (range: 5-88 years). Nasopalatine duct cysts, oral lymphoepithelial cysts and epidermoid cysts were the most common ONOC, accounting for 63 cases (88.73%). Nasopalatine duct cysts occurred in 31 cases (43.66%), followed by 22 patients with oral lymphoepithelial cysts (30.99%) and 10 cases of epidermoid cysts (14.08%). Nasopalatine duct cysts revealed predominance among males (58.06). Oral lymphoepithelial cysts were more commonly observed in tongue (50%). Epidermoid cysts were most frequently found in the buccal mucosa (40.00%).CONCLUSIONS: The differential diagnosis of ONOC is based on the clinical, radiological, and histological findings. It is difficult to establish an epidemiological profile of ONOCs, considering the low frequency of these lesions and the divergences in the demographic and clinical presentation data among different populations

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Maxillary sinus anatomic and pathologic CT findings in edentulous patients scheduled for sinus augmentation.

OBJECTIVES: An aberrant sinus anatomy or pathology can influence the sinus lift technique if it is encountered during surgical exposure. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of sinus disease and variations of normal anatomy among edentulous patients prior to sinus augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 120 patients attending a private surgical practice (53 women and 67 men, with a mean age of 62.02 years, ranging between 34 and 81 years old) for whom treatment was planned for sinus augmentation were evaluated--medical history, radiographic and clinical examinations. Computerized tomograms (CT) and 3D reconstructions from 240 sinuses were analyzed using Dental CT. RESULTS: Abnormalities were diagnosed in 74.2% of cases. Mucosal thickening was the most prevalent abnormality (68.3%), followed by retention cysts (15.8%) and opacification (9.2%). The diagnosed conditions included mucosal thickening, chronic sinusitis, sinus cysts and polyps. The prevalence of one or more septa per sinus was found to be 30%. Males present pathology more often than females (p=.028). No statistical correlation could be found between age and pathology (p>0.05) No significant differences in age or gender between patients with and without sinus septum were found (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the importance of thorough history taking and clinical and radiographic assessment prior to performing sinus augmentation, to prevent the probability of complications.

Prevalencia de tumores odontogénicos en el Hospital Base Valdivia, periodo 1989-2008 / Odontogenic tumors in Valdivia: Prevalence from 1989 to 2008

Objetivo: Este artículo corresponde a un estudio observacional de tipo descriptivo de corte transversal, tiene como objetivo determinar la prevalencia de tumores odontogénicos en la población atendida en el Hospital Base Valdivia, en un periodo de 20 años (1989-2008), según la nueva clasificación de lesiones tumorales de la WHO, 2005. Metodología: Se revisaron 2.078 informes de biopsias correspondientes a lesiones de la cavidad oral de los archivos de informes del servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Base Valdivia entre enero del año 1989 y diciembre del año 2008. Como criterios de inclusión están la presencia de un diagnóstico histopatológico en la ficha y legibilidad de ésta. Las variables a analizar incluyen: edad, género, diagnóstico histopatológico, tipo de tumor y área de localización. Los datos recolectados fueron tabulados en planilla de base de datos, para su posterior análisis estadístico. Resultados: De las 2.078 biopsias del territorio bucal, 31 corresponden a tumores odontogénicos, lo que representa un 1,5% de todas las lesiones biopsiadas del territorio oral. Una lesión maligna fue encontrada y corresponde a carcinoma ameloblástico infiltrante. La lesión más frecuente correspondió a tumor odontogénico queratoquístico (41,9%), seguido por el ameloblastoma (22,6%) y, por último, odontoma (16,1%). El promedio de edad de 35,7 años. El área más frecuente de presentación es el área molar mandibular (54,8%). Conclusión: Los tumores odontogénicos son de baja prevalencia en la población valdiviana atendida en el Hospital Base Valdivia entre los años 1989-2008. No tiene predilección por género. La lesión más prevalente es el tumor odontogénico queratoqísitico (AU)

Objetive: This article corresponds to a descriptive cross sectional study , which aims to determine the prevalence of primary odontogenic tumors in population attending Hospital Base Valdivia, during a period of 20 years (1989-2008), based on the WHO´s 2005 new classification of tumors. Methodology: 2,078 reports of biopsies for lesions oral cavity from Pathology Service Hospital Valdivia Base, between January 1989 and December 2008 were reviewed. The presence of an histologically confirmed diagnosis in the patient´s chart and readability of it were considered as inclusion criteria. The variables analyzed included age, gender, histological diagnosis tumor type and location of this area. The collected data was tabulated in database spreadsheet for subsequent statistical analysis. Results: Of the 2,078 biopsies of oral territory, 31 correspond to tumors odontogenic, representing 1.5% of all biopsied lesions territory oral. A malignant lesion was found and corresponds to ameloblastic carcinoma infiltrating. The most frequent lesion corresponded to odontogenic keratocyst tumours (41.9%), followed by ameloblastoma (22.6%), and finally odontoma (16.1%). The average presentation age is 35.7 years. The most common area of presentation is the mandibular molar area (54.8%). Conclusion: Odontogenic tumors are of low prevalence in Hospital Base Valdivia between 1989 to 2008. It´s more often in men, no gender predilection, being the most prevalent lesion tumor odontogenic keratocysts (AU)

Lingual cortical mandibular bone depression: frequency and clinical-radiological features in a Brazilian population.

The aim of this study was to report the frequency and clinical-radiological features of cases of lingual cortical mandibular bone depressions (LCMBD) diagnosed in consecutive panoramic radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from a Brazilian population. The methods included a retrospective analysis of consecutive panoramic radiographs, charts from the Oral Medicine clinic and consecutive CBCT scans. All cases diagnosed as LCMBD were selected and clinical-radiological data were retrieved from the clinical charts and by the analysis of the image exams. Twenty LCMBD cases diagnosed in 18 patients were found, including 2 from 3,000 consecutive panoramic radiographs (0.07%), 6 from 2,421 Oral Medicine patients (0.25%) and 10 from 1,684 CBCT scans (0.59%). The 18 patients had a mean age of 51.5 years and 13 were males. Two patients presented bilateral lesions. Fourteen images (70%) were classified as well-defined. Eighteen affected the posterior area of the mandible and two affected the anterior mandible. Size of the lesions was larger in younger patients. In conclusion, there seemed to be a considerable radiological heterogeneity when comparing the LCMBD cases and it seemed that the images decreased in size with the increase of patient's age.

[Temporomandibular joint primitive tumors and pseudo tumors]. / Pseudotumeurs et tumeurs primitives de l'articulation temporomandibulaire.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be the site of bone, cartilaginous, or synovial tumors. There is no well-defined histological classification. We listed all benign tumors, malignant primitive tumors, and rare pseudo tumors of the TMJ. We provide a list to help for the diagnosis and the differential diagnosis of non-tumoral lesions by far the most frequent.

Lingual Cortical Mandibular Bone Depression: Frequency and Clinical-Radiological Features in a Brazilian Population

The aim of this study was to report the frequency and clinical-radiological features of cases of lingual cortical mandibular bone depressions (LCMBD) diagnosed in consecutive panoramic radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from a Brazilian population. The methods included a retrospective analysis of consecutive panoramic radiographs, charts from the Oral Medicine clinic and consecutive CBCT scans. All cases diagnosed as LCMBD were selected and clinical-radiological data were retrieved from the clinical charts and by the analysis of the image exams. Twenty LCMBD cases diagnosed in 18 patients were found, including 2 from 3,000 consecutive panoramic radiographs (0.07%), 6 from 2,421 Oral Medicine patients (0.25%) and 10 from 1,684 CBCT scans (0.59%). The 18 patients had a mean age of 51.5 years and 13 were males. Two patients presented bilateral lesions. Fourteen images (70%) were classified as well-defined. Eighteen affected the posterior area of the mandible and two affected the anterior mandible. Size of the lesions was larger in younger patients. In conclusion, there seemed to be a considerable radiological heterogeneity when comparing the LCMBD cases and it seemed that the images decreased in size with the increase of patient's age.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a frequência e os achados clínico-radiográficos dos casos de depressão cortical mandibular lingual diagnosticados em radiografias panorâmicas e em tomografias computadorizadas realizadas pela técnica de feixe cônico consecutivas em uma população brasileira. A metodologia incluiu uma análise retrospectiva de radiografias panorâmicas consecutivas, dos registros dos pacientes da clínica de estomatologia e tomografias computadorizadas consecutivas realizadas pela técnica do feixe cônico. Todos os casos com diagnóstico de depressão cortical mandibular lingual foram selecionados e as informações clínico-radiográficas foram obtidas a partir dos prontuários dos pacientes e da análise dos exames imaginológicos. Um total de 20 casos de depressão cortical mandibular lingual foi diagnosticado em 18 pacientes, incluindo 2 casos em 3.000 radiografias panorâmicas (0,07%), 6 em 2.421 pacientes da clínica de Estomatologia (0,25%) e 10 em 1.684 pacientes do grupo submetido a tomografia computadorizada (0,59%). Os 18 pacientes mostraram uma média de idade de 51,5 anos e 13 eram do gênero masculino. Dois pacientes apresentaram imagens bilaterais. Quatorze imagens (70%) foram classificadas como bem definidas; dezoito acometeram a região posterior da mandíbula e dois casos acometeram a região anterior da mandíbula. O tamanho das lesões foi maior em pacientes mais jovens. Em conclusão, existe uma considerável heterogeneidade na expressão radiográfica das imagens e parece haver uma diminuição do tamanho das imagens com o aumento da idade dos pacientes. .

Reemplazo articular temporomandibular debido a queratoquiste odontogénico / Temporomandibular joint replacement because of odontogenic keratocyst

Existen disímiles condiciones que hacen necesario el reemplazo articular temporomandibular; dentro de las más frecuentes se encuentran la anquilosis, la osteoatrosis, estadíos avanzados del Síndrome de disfunción temporomandibular, daño articular postrauma y procesos neoplásicos o tumorales. Los queratoquistes odontógenos que se agrupan para su estudio dentro de los quistes odontogénicos del desarrollo, representan cerca del 7 al 10 por ciento de todos los quistes maxilo-mandibulares. Se dice que tienen dos picos de incidencia entre la segunda y tercera década de vida y entre los 50 y 60 años de edad, con una ligera predilección por el sexo masculino. Aparece más frecuentemente en la región del tercer molar de la mandíbula con extensión a la rama ascendente El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo mostrar el caso de un paciente masculino de 57 años de edad en el que fue necesario el reemplazo articular temporomandibular debido a un queratoquiste odontogénico que involucraba la totalidad de la rama mandibular derecha, incluyendo el proceso condíleo y coronoideo, así como el ángulo hasta el tercio posterior del cuerpo mandibular. Tras un año de realizada la intervención quirúrgica la evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria(AU)

Temporomandibular joint replacement is required in a variety of conditions. Among the most frequent are ankylosis, osteoarthrosis, advanced stages of the temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome, post-traumatic joint damage, and neoplastic or tumoral processes. Odontogenic keratocysts, which are classified as developmental odontogenic cysts for study purposes, constitute 7-10 per cent of all maxillomandibular cysts. Two peaks have been identified in their incidence: between the second and third decades of life, and between 50 and 60 years of age, with a slight predominance of the male sex. They are most common in the third molar area of the mandibule, with expansion to the ascending branch. A case is presented of a male 57-year-old patient requiring temporomandibular joint replacement due to an odontogenic keratocyst involving the entire right mandibular branch, including the condylar and coronoid processes, as well as the angle as far as the posterior third of the mandibular body. One year after surgery, the patient's evolution was satisfactory(AU)

Clinical pathological analysis of nine cases of aneurysmal bone cyst of the jaws in a Brazilian population.

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign osteolytic lesions that occur rarely in the jaws. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, radiographical and pathological features of ABCs of the jaws. A retrospective analysis of the content of a 39-year database, including nine cases of ABCs of the jaws diagnosed from the archives of the Oral Pathology Service. Nine patients (3 males and 6 females), ranging in age from 5 to 33 years were included. Seven (7/9) lesions were located in the mandible and two (2/9) in the maxilla. A painful swelling was the most common clinical finding (n = 4, 4/9). Radiologically, the lesions frequently presented as multilocular (5/9), well defined (4/9), bone expansion and perforation (2/9). Pathological analysis revealed that two cases were associated with central ossifying fibroma and one case with central giant cell lesion. Histomorphology showed a predominance of the solid type (5/9) and of sinusoidal pseudocystic spaces (4/9). Giant cells, osteoid material, calcified material, blood vessels and hemosiderin deposits were observed in 6/9, 7/9, 8/9, 9/9 and 7/9, respectively. The patients with ABCs presented clinical and radiographical features, which often posed a diagnostic dilemma. Knowledge about the most common characteristics of ABCs may contribute to the establishment of a more accurate diagnosis.

Analysis of demographic data obtained from pathology records.

INTRODUCTION: Pathologists commonly analyse patient data obtained from pathology records. Such information is useful in that it might provide an indication of changing patterns of disease, or of the aetio-pathogenesis of a disease process, but such data is seldom standardised. AIM: To determine to what extent the lack of standardisation may influence the resultant data and the conclusions drawn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pathology reports of all cysts diagnosed from 1994 to 2004 were retrieved. The diagnosis and site of the cyst, and the age, gender and race of patient were analysed. Comparative data from 1958 to 1992 was obtained from the text "Cysts of the oral regions". The data from the different periods was statistically compared. Only the four most common cysts were included: radicular, dentigerous, odontogenic keratocyst and nasopalatine duct cysts. RESULTS: There was no difference in frequency and site of cysts or in age of patients. Statistically significant differences were found in the gender and race comparisons. CONCLUSION: Do the differences reflect a changing pattern of disease or are they due to changes in the demographics of the patient pool from which the surgical specimens were obtained? We favour the latter. Awareness of the fact that data from either survey is not reliable due to lack of standardisation is pertinent to avoid drawing fundamental conclusions from such data.

Radiographic evaluation on prevalence of Stafne bone defect: a study from two centres in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of Stafne bone defect (SBD) and to describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of detected cases. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using panoramic radiographs from 34 221 patients undergoing dental treatment in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Erciyes University and Ataturk University, Turkey. After finding an image compatible with SBD in the radiographs, multislice CT (MSCT) on seven patients and cone beam CT (CBCT) on six patients were performed to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 34 221 patients, 29 (0.08 %) had SBDs, of whom 4 were female (13.8%) and 25 were male (86.2 %). The age range of patients with SBD was 18-77 years (mean age 49.6 years). SBD was found in the lingual molar region in 28 patients and in the lingual canine-premolar region of the mandible in 1 patient. The contour of the concavities on CT images (MSCT and CBCT) was detected. The MSCT revealed glandular tissue within the defects. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, SBD is an uncommon anomaly. Examination of MSCT images supports the presence of aberrant submandibular glands within these mandibular defects, suggesting that pressure from submandibular gland tissue had caused the SBD, as generally thought. Both CBCT and MSCT can provide adequate support for the detection of SBDs. The CBCT could be suggested as the most suitable non-invasive diagnostic modality for this bony configuration of the mandible since it provides a lower radiation exposure dose than MSCT.