Globulomaxillary cyst revisited

Abstract

Classically, the globulomaxillary cyst was considered to be an inclusion or developmental cyst that arises from entrapped nonodontogenic epithelium in the globulomaxillary suture. Subsequently Christ disputed the existence and histogenesis of this lesion stating that the evidence indicated that facial processes per se did not exist. The development of the anterior maxilla was attributed to the merging of growth centers rather than fusion of facial processes, and hence ectodermal entrapment was ruled out. Recent embryologic studies, however, have demonstrated that Christ's view of facial development was incorrect. Fusion of facial processes does occur, and epithelium is entrapped in areas that later will lie between the maxillary lateral incisors and canines. This review argues that embryologically and histopathologically the globulomaxillary cyst should again be considered as an identifiable clinicopathologic entity.