title: Marsupialization as a treatment option for the odontogenic keratocyst.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is an unusual cyst with a high recurrence rate. The most common site for OKCs is by far the mandible. The best treatment of OKC remains controversial. Recurrence rates ranging anywhere from less than 10% to more than 60% have been reported. The aim of our study was to evaluate marsupialization as a treatment option for OKC.
  
  
  METHODS
  We managed 13 patients (8 male, 5 female) between the ages of 16 and 31 years (mean, 22.4 y) with biopsy-proven OKC. Radiographically, the patients' cyst sizes were between 25 and 90 mm. Treatment consisted of marsupialization. We followed up with patients for a total duration of at least 60 months, and posttreatment visits were carried out at 6-month intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We documented cured or reduced cyst size with radiography. The odontogenic keratocyst resolved completely in 10 patients, and the cyst walls shrank in 3 patients. The latter patients required a second operation to remove the associated impacted teeth. A histologic evaluation of 3 lesions showed metaplasia. Any case of recurring cysts was not seen during the entire follow-up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Marsupialization is an effective and conservative treatment option for OKC. Nevertheless, future studies should conduct even longer follow-up periods to evaluate any recurrence of lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Craniomaxillofacial Surgery Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tabrizi
authors.forename: Birkan Taha
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Özkan
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dehgani
authors.forename: Nicole Janine
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Langner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D009807:Odontogenic Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome