NONENDODONTIC PERIAPICAL LESIONS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of nonendodontic periapical lesions (NEPLs) initially diagnosed, based on clinicoradiographic criteria, as inflammatory periapical diseases (IPDs). Study Design: Between 2000 and 2017, all cases with clinicoradiographic diagnosis of IPD sent to histopathological analysis in an oral pathology laboratory were analyzed. Among these lesions, all cases that were microscopically diagnosed as NEPL were selected for the study. The clinical and demographic data were recorded from the clinical charts. A histologic slides review was performed to confirm the diagnosis in all cases. The data were tabulated and the variables were distributed; this was done by descriptive analysis. Results: From 225 lesions with clinicoradiographic diagnosis of IPD, 13 (5.8%) were NEPL. Seven cases were in the maxilla and 6 were in the mandible. Eight cases (61.5%) occurred in women and 5 (38.5%) in men, with a mean age of 31.2 years (range, 19-53 years). Six cases (46.1%) represented odontogenic tumors (mainly ameloblastoma), 2 (15.4%) were odontogenic keratocysts, 2 (15.4%) nasopalatine duct cysts, 2 (15.4%) fibroosseous lesions, and 1 (7.7%) was a sinonasal mucosal melanoma. Conclusion: A high percentage of NEPL mimicking IPD was found. Thus, the dental practitioners should keep in mind that detailed clinical and radiographic examinations are essential for correct approach and diagnosis.