Recurrent keratocystic odontogenic tumours: report of 19 cases

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse 19 recurrent keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs). 19 patients with recurrent KCOTs were retrospectively analysed. These patients had been treated by either enucleation or a combination of enucleation and Carnoy's solution. The analyses covered major aspects of primary KCOT and/or recurrent KCOT identities, including patient profile, clinical features, histopathology, radiology, treatment and prognosis. 19 (7.4%) out of 257 primary KCOT cases recurred, with an average patient age of 30.5 years (age range 18-45 years). 15 lesions were in the mandible and the remaining 4 were in the maxilla. There were more unilocular than multilocular occurrences for the primary tumours, with a ratio of 2.2:1. These KCOTs were initially treated by simple enucleation (12 cases) or enucleation with Carnoy's solution (7 cases). After the initial surgery, 15 out of 19 (78.9%) recurred within 6 years, while 4 (21.1%) recurred after 6 years. Evidently, the recurrent lesion was involved with the roots of the teeth in three out of six cases whose teeth were preserved. In addition, the recurrent KCOTs had a tendency to be more multilocular or multifocal than the primary cases, with a unilocular-to-multilocular ratio of 1.1:1. 7.4% of primary KCOTs recurred within 6 years after initial treatment with either enucleation or a combination of enucleation and Carnoy's solution. The recurrent KCOTs were more likely to be multilocular or multifocal than the primary cases and often involved the teeth. The method of operation for these recurrent lesions would be considered as a more aggressive approach.