Etiology • Developmental, nonodontogenic cyst • Cystic degeneration of epithelial remnants of the vestigial
nasopalatine duct
Clinical Presentation • Usually develops in adulthood • May be incidental on routine dental radiographs • Palatal mass with tenderness and drainage • Adjacent teeth are vital.
Radiographic Findings • Well-defined, medianparamedian radiolucency in anterior
nasopalatine duct
Clinical Presentation • Usually develops in adulthood • May be incidental on routine dental radiographs • Palatal mass with tenderness and drainage • Adjacent teeth are vital.
Radiographic Findings • Well-defined, medianparamedian radiolucency in anterior
maxillary midline, greater than 5 to 6 mm in diameter • Border usually sclerotic • Round, ovoid, or heart shaped
Diagnosis • Radiographic features • Biopsy confirmation
Differential Diagnosis • Apical/radicular cyst • Other odontogenic cysts • Odontogenic tumor
Treatment • Enucleation
Prognosis • Rarely recurs