[Glandular odontogenic cyst of the mandible. Case report].

BACKGROUND: Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare lesion of both, the maxilla and mandible, leading to extensive osteolysis. Histologically, it shows thin layers of squamous and cylindrical cells, lined with mucinous metaplasia. This makes it difficult to differentiate from a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The recurrence rate is high. CASE REPORT: During a routine X-ray examination we saw massive osteolysis of the whole mandible in a 30-year-old female. All teeth were vital. The biopsy taken showed a benign cyst although the clinical aspect was similar to an ameloblastoma. The cyst was removed after intravital fixation with Carnoy's solution. The bony cavity was left without filling material. Uneventful bony healing occurred. DISCUSSION: Due to rare occurrence and similarity to botryoid odontogenic cyst and low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma GOC is difficult to identify. It remains without clinical signs for years and is identified in routine X-rays in most cases. We recommend cystectomy after use of Carnoy's solution for intravital fixation. No filling material is required for complete bony healing.