Traumatic bone cyst of the mandible of possible iatrogenic origin: a case report and brief review of the literature

Abstract

The traumatic bone cyst (TBC) is an uncommon nonepithelial lined cavity of the jaws. The lesion is mainly diagnosed in young patients most frequently during the second decade of life. The majority of TBCs are located in the mandibular body between the canine and the third molar. Clinically, the lesion is asymptomatic in the majority of cases and is often accidentally discovered on routine radiological examination usually as an unilocular radiolucent area with a "scalloping effect". The definite diagnosis of traumatic cyst is invariably achieved at surgery. Since material for histologic examination may be scant or non-existent, it is very often difficult for a definite histologic diagnosis to be achieved. We present a well documented radiographically and histopathologically atypical case of TBC involving the ramus of the mandible, which is also of possible iatrogenic origin. The literature is briefly reviewed.

Figure 1

Preoperative panoramic X-ray showing the left lower semi-impacted 3^rd molar.

Figure 2

Panoramic X ray taken four years later showing a unilocular radiolucent area in the left ramus.

Figure 3

CT scans showed a cyst like low density area in the left ramus region.

Figure 4

CT scans showed a cyst like low density area in the left ramus region.

Figure 5

Normal appearing bone spicules with parts of vascular connective tissue (haematoxylin-eosin, original magnification × 40).

Figure 6

Higher magnification (haematoxylin-eosin × 160).

Figure 7

Occasional macrophages were present (haematoxylin-eosin × 160).

Figure 8

Follow-up panoramic X-ray taken one year after the operation indicates resolution of the lesion.