title: A review of odontogenic keratocysts and the behavior of recurrences.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to report experiences of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and analyze information regarding recurrences to better understand the nature of recurrences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-one cases of OKC treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, from 1988 to 2003 were studied retrospectively. Clinicoradiographic features, histologic features, and methods of treatment were reviewed. Recurrences were analyzed and compared with respect to sites of involvement, relationship to the remaining teeth, and methods of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OKCs occurred predominantly in the 11- to 40-year-old age group. The body-angle-ramus area of mandible was the most common site of occurrence. Radiographically, the unilocular to multilocular radiolucency ratio was 2.5:1. Multilocular lesions occurred more frequently in the mandible (P < .05). Most of the lesions were diagnosed histologically as parakeratinized OKC (93.7%). The patients were followed from 1-14.6 years. However, 20 patients were lost to follow-up after a short period of time, and recurrences were found in 7 out of 31 cases (22.6%). The recurrent tumors occurred more frequently in patients who had an OKC associated with the remaining teeth and were treated by enucleation or enucleation with adjuvant therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to a high recurrent rate of OKCs treated by enucleation, clinicians should give more attention to the dentate area if the enucleation is chosen as the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Duangrudee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chirapathomsakul
authors.forename: Panunn
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sastravaha
authors.forename: Pornchai
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jansisyanont
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009807:Odontogenic Cysts / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D007633:Keratins