A clinical study of cysts of the maxillofacial region; and an assessment of clinico-radiologico-pathological variables affecting the formulation of a comprehensive patient need based treatment plan.

Objectives: Evaluation of clinical presentation of cystic lesions of the maxillofacial region, their relation to radiological picture, and treatment planning so as to plan and execute a patient need based treatment modality after co-relating it to the eventual histopathological diagnosis.

Methods: 25 cases with clinico-radiological diagnosis of a cyst were selected and treated, and the diagnosis was co-related to the eventual histopathological diagnosis. The patients were followed up for at least 3 months (3-12 months). An attempt was made to underline patient and lesion related variables having a bearing on the choice of treatment modality in each case.

Results: Out of 25 patients, 28% were females and 72% males. Commonly affected age groups were 11-20 (40%) and 31-40 years (24%). 76% of 25 patients complained of swelling on the first visit. 96% lesions were related to jaws, of which 15 were in the mandible and 9 were in the maxilla. 58.33% bone lesions had cortical expansion. 92% lesions were confirmed to be cysts histopathologically. Two were ameloblastomas. 80% patients underwent enucleation with various adjunctive procedures. 32% patients faced temporary post operative complications. No recurrences were observed. Radiological presentation of lesions and patient's age were found to be the two most important radiological and clinical variables affecting treatment planning.

Conclusions: A comprehensive patient need based treatment plan can be reached only after taking various patient and lesion related variables (which may manifest as clinical, radiological or histological parameters) into consideration.