ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYST IN ANTERIOR MAXILLA MIMICKING RADICULAR CYST: A CASE REPORT

Odontogenic keratocyst is a common developmental odontogenic cyst arising from the remnants of dental lamina characterized by aggressive clinical behavior, increased potential for recurrence and its occasional association with Gorlin- Goltz syndrome. The lesion primarily occurs in early adults with increased preponderance to occur in the third molar region of the mandible. On certain occasions, odontogenic keratocyst may occur in unusual sites such as the ramus, maxillary sinus and in the anterior region. The occurrence of the lesion in the maxillary anterior region especially in relation to the periapical region of the tooth may pose diagnostic difficulties owing to its similarity to a radicular cyst. The difference in the clinical behavior and prognosis of odontogenic keratocyst from that of a radicular cyst makes it mandatory to differentiate between the two lesions. This presentation reports a periapical lesion in anterior maxilla diagnosed histopathologically as odontogenic keratocyst with relevant literature review.