CONSERVATIVE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF BILATERAL ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYST OF THE MANDIBLE: CASE REPORT

Odontogenic keratocysts are benign lesions that present aggressive behavior and recurrent potential. This paper reports a case of bilateral odontogenic keratocyst of the mandible. A 32-year-old male patient presented extensive radiolucent images in mandibular branches discovered on routine radiographic examination. Incisional biopsy of the lesions was performed and, at the same time, a decompression device was installed on the right side and the marsupialized left side. The histopathological exams presented diagnoses of odontogenic keratocysts. After 8 months, there was a marked regression of both lesions and a bilateral surgical procedure was performed for cystic enucleation, peripheral ostectomy, and filling of the surgical defect with biomaterial. After 11 months post-surgery, there were no signs of recurrences. The knowledge by dentists about a correct diagnosis and the possible forms of treatment of keratocyst are important, avoiding the lesions growing to large dimensions and, thus, leading the patient to a significant mutilation.