Glandular odontogenic cyst: case report and review of the literature.

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental cyst of the jaws. It is included in the World Health Organization (WHO) histologic typing of odontogenic tumors under the terms glandular odontogenic cyst or sialo-odontogenic cyst. The most common site of occurrence is the anterior mandible, and it occurs mostly in middle-aged people. A predilection for men is observed. Clinical findings are not specific, and an asymptomatic swelling is frequently observed. A unilocular or multilocular, well-defined radiolucency is usually seen. The microscopic features of GOC, particularly the morphology of the epithelium, strongly suggest an origin from the remains of dental lamina. GOC has an unpredictable and potentially aggressive nature, which may indicate a high tendency of recurrence. The treatment of choice is still controversial, varying from a curettage to local block excision. A long-term follow-up should be carried out. The aim of this article is to report a case of glandular odontogenic cyst that recurred four times and to emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up. The origin, epidemiology, clinical and radiographic aspects, and treatment of the GOC are also discussed.