Submandibular abscess due to an infected keratocystic odontogenic tumor associated with simultaneous occurrence of a traumatic bone cyst: a rare case report

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this report is to introduce a rare case in which an infected keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) was initially diagnosed and treated as a dentoalveolar abscess.

Background: Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a benign neoplasm that can be secondarily infected. However, cervical soft tissue abscess formation as a result of an infected odontogenic cyst or tumor is a rare condition few of which have only been described in the existing literature. Also, there has been a single report regarding the coincidence of a traumatic bone cyst and a keratocytic odontogenic tumor to date.

Case report: The patient was a 29-year-old male, complaining of fever, pain and swelling in the left submandibular region. The panoramic radiography showed a well-defined and partially corticated radiolucency between the roots of the second and third left mandibular molars. In addition, a well-corticated radiolucent lesion was incidentally found on the right side of the mandible, which, following surgical exploration, was diagnosed as a traumatic bone cyst.

Conclusion: In the present report, an infected KCOT manifested as a cervical abscess, coincided with a traumatic bone cyst.

Clinical significance: From the clinical point of view, it is of paramount significance to prevent misdiagnosis of similar presentations as pulp and periapical lesions, which may lead to mistreatment and thus complications.