Current Role of Carnoy's Solution in Treating Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumors

Abstract

Purpose: To understand the frequency of use of Carnoy's solution, as a means of chemical curettage, for treating the keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT).

Materials and methods: A Web-based survey was distributed by e-mail to 6,880 members listed in the 2013 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons directory.

Results: Eight hundred nine participants across the United States responded to the survey (12% response rate). The most common procedures performed to definitively treat a KCOT were enucleation plus mechanical curettage (curette with or without peripheral ostectomy; 66%). Of the survey participants, 198 (25%) currently use Carnoy's solution, 111 (56%) of whom are using the solution with chloroform and 83 (42%) are using it without chloroform.

Conclusion: Carnoy's solution remains a common method of chemical curettage for the definitive treatment of the KCOT. Carnoy's solution with and without chloroform is being used for chemical cautery.