Surgical Management of Cystic Lesions of the Upper Jaw

Objective: Tumors of the nose and paranasal sinuses are of various aetiology. They originate from different sites and cause facial asymmetry. Cystic lesions are rare but may mimic tumours. This study reports surgical excision of cysticupper jaw lesions.Materials and methods : A prospective recruitment of all cases of cystic lesions of the upper jaw seen in two tertiary health centres and analysis of surgical management were carried out over a nine and a half year period (Sept1999-feb 2009).Results:Ten cases of cystic lesions were seen 6 in females and 4 males aged between 13 and 45 years.They accounted for 9% of 111 cases of tumours of the nose and paranasal sinuses seen during the period. Five cases were naso-alveolar or nasolabial cysts, 3 were dentigerous cysts, while 2 were mucoceles of the maxillary sinus.These were excised without recurrences after a minimum period of one year follow up for nine cases while one case is still being followed up. Causes and management of cystic swellings of the maxilla are discussed and compared with world literature.Conclusion: Cystic lesions of the maxilla causing facial asymmetry constituted 9% of cases of tumours of the nose and paranasal sinuses seen in north western Nigeria. Although cystic lesions of the upper jaw are rare, they are amendable to surgical excision if the root or sources are completely extirpated.