title: Nasopalatine duct cyst: report of 22 cases and review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are the most common developmental, epithelial and non-odontogenic cysts of the maxillae. The present study describes the clinicopathological characteristics of 22 NPDCs and discusses their etiology, incidence, treatment and prognosis, with a review of the literature on the subject.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective observational study was made comprising a period of 36 years (1970-2006), and yielding a series of 22 patients with histopathological confirmation of NPDC. Surgical treatment was carried out under local anesthesia and comprised the dissection and removal of the cyst adopting a usually palatine approach, with the preparation of an enveloping flap from 1.4 to 2.4.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant correlation was observed between the size of the lesion and patient age, although the size of the cyst differed according to patient gender, with a mean NPDC diameter of 16 mm in males and 12 mm in females. In no case did we observe root resorption or loss of vitality of the upper incisors following surgery. The X-ray image was rounded in 15 cases and heart-shaped in the remaining 7 cases. In the majority of cases panoramic X-rays and periapical and occlusal X-rays sufficed to identify the lesion, though computed tomography was used in cases of doubt.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The etiology of NPDC is unclear. Simple surgical resection is recommended, followed by clinical and radiological control to ensure correct resolution of the case.
authors.affiliation: University of Barcelona Dental School, Spain.
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Escoda Francolí
authors.forename: Nieves
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Almendros Marqués
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Berini Aytés
authors.forename: Cosme
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gay Escoda
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010159:Palate; D012189:Retrospective Studies