Role of cone-beam computed tomography in diagnosis and management of nasopalatine duct cyst

Abstract

Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are the most common nonodontogenic cyst of the jaw, with a reported prevalence of between 1% and 11.6% of all jaw cysts.1 It is believed to arise from epithelial remnants of the nasopalatine duct, the communication between the nasal cavity and anterior maxilla in the developing fetus. For huge NPDCs, total excision is difficult, and there is an increase in the possibility of postoperative complications including submucosal hematoma, wound dehiscence, wound infection, injury to tooth roots, injury to nasopalatine neurovascular bundles, paresthesia of the anterior palate, facial swelling, and oronasal fistula formation. This article discusses a case with a large NPDC, which was managed surgically without any complication. Radiological findings emphasizing the importance of cone-beam computed tomography in diagnosis and optimized treatment planning of NPDCs are discussed.