The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of
odontogenic cysts and to identify their clinico-pathological features among patients by studying biopsy specimens obtained from the archives of the Department of
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, Karnataka, India, during the past 10 years. Data for the study were retrieved from the case records of patients fitting the histological classification of the World Health Organization (1992). Analyzed clinical variables included age, gender, anatomical location, and histological diagnosis. Of the 2275 biopsy reports analyzed, 194 cases (8.5%) were
jaw cysts, including odontogenic (6.7%) and
nonodontogenic cysts (0.25%).
Odontogenic cysts included 69.3% radicular, 20.3% dentigerous, 5.2% keratinizing odontogenic, 3.3% residual, and 1.9% other
cysts, such as lateral periodontal, botryoid odontogenic, and gingival
cysts. The most frequent clinical manifestation was swelling, followed by a combination of
pain and swelling. Age, gender, and location were related to the etiopathologic characteristics of the
cyst type. A definitive diagnosis can be made on the basis of clinical, radiological, and histological findings, which makes a good interdepartmental relationship between the clinicians and pathologists essential. Knowledge of the biological and histological behavior of the
odontogenic cysts is required for their early detection and treatment.