Range and demographics of odontogenic cysts diagnosed in a UK population over a 30-year period.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the range of all histologically diagnosed odontogenic cysts along with age range, sex distribution and site of presentation over a 30-year period. METHODS All entries for odontogenic cysts occurring during 1975-2004 inclusive were retrieved and analysed for demographic data. RESULTS A total of 55,446 specimens were received, of these 7121 (12.8%) specimens were diagnosed as odontogenic cysts. Radicular cyst was the most common diagnosis (52.3%), followed by dentigerous cyst (18.1) and odontogenic keratocysts (11.6%). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides demographic data on a large series of odontogenic cysts in a European population. This is one of the largest series reported to date. Cysts such as the paradental cyst have a predilection for certain ages, sexes and sites. Odontogenic keratocysts and glandular odontogenic cysts have a marked propensity to recur as well as behave aggressively. It is essential that such lesions are detected as early as possible to minimize any necessary surgery.