Cysts of the jaws and advances in the diagnosis and management of nevoid Basal cell carcinoma syndrome

Abstract

Cysts of the jaws are a relatively commonly encountered pathologic condition, and a full spectrum of these lesions may present in pediatric patients. Most cystic lesions are of odontogenic origin, as seen in adult patients, and a range of surgical approaches are available for their management. These approaches are based on the clinical and radiologic features and the behavioral and histologic characteristics of each cyst. Advances in imaging techniques and laboratory investigations, such as immunocytochemistry and genetic analysis, will continue to facilitate improved diagnoses, patient management, and clinical outcomes.