Lateral periodontal cyst: report of case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: As the lateral periodontal cyst (LPC) is an unusual odontogenic cyst, most papers are single case reports or series with a limited number of cases, with few large series. The aim of this study is to report an additional case of LPC, emphasizing the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features, differential diagnosis, and review of 264 cases reported in the English-language literature. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old male patient presented with a well-delimited, radiolucent, mandibular lesion, located between the roots of the right lower lateral incisor and canine and evidenced during routine radiographic examination. A surgical excision was performed. Microscopically, there was a cystic cavity lined by simple squamous epithelium, compatible with LPC. DISCUSSION: LPC is an unusual odontogenic cyst and presents a marked predilection for occurring in the mandible between the roots of canines and premolars. Accurate clinical and imaging exams should be performed for a correct approach and diagnosis.