Median palatine cyst: an unusual presentation of a rare entity.

Median palatine cyst is rare. Mostly, it is asymptomatic and usually is discovered incidentally during routine dental or radiological examination. The case that we report has the following unusual features: Firstly, it is the largest cyst to be reported, measuring 5 cm in diameter. Secondly, there was no swelling on the oral surface of the hard palate contrary to other reports. Rather, it caused elevation of the nasal floor and nasal obstruction. Thirdly, it pushed the inferior and caudal end of the septum into the left nasal chamber. The median palatine cyst was surgically removed by a sublabial degloving approach. The cyst was removed in toto and the palatal bone curetted to ensure adequate removal of any nesting cells that could lead to recurrence in the future. Copyright 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.