Radiology Quiz Case

Abstract

A 63-YEAR-OLD man noted 2 years earlier that his maxillary denture had become ill fitting. He was subsequently diagnosed and treated for a palatal cyst, without difficulty or sequelae. Approximately 6 months before his most recent admission, he again noted an inability to wear his maxillary denture, which prompted this evaluation.On examination, a fluctuant, painless palatal mass was observed. The mass, which measured approximately 4 cm in greatest dimension, was covered by intact and unremarkable mucosa. A computed tomogram of the maxillofacial structures was obtained (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Nasopalatine Duct Cysts

“…Vasconcelos et al 8 reported 87% of their patients to be asymptomatic, whereas Anneroth et al 10 and Abrams et al 12 reported 50% and 40%, respectively. When symptoms were present, swelling was most commonly reported 3,4,6,7,11 . Associated pain was thought to be secondary to concomitant infection.…”

“…The cause or origin of NPDC has been greatly debated in the literature. Initially, it was thought to originate from the trapping of epithelium during fusion of the embryological process 4 . This concept has been rejected, and today it is thought to develop from oronasal ducts present within the incisive canals 3,5,6 .…”

“…This concept has been rejected, and today it is thought to develop from oronasal ducts present within the incisive canals 3,5,6 . Precipitating factors in the development of the NPDC have been reported to be trauma, infection, and spontaneous occurrence 4 …”

“…Initially, it was thought to originate from the trapping of epithelium during fusion of the embryological process. 4 This concept has been rejected, and today it is thought to develop from oronasal ducts present within the incisive canals. 3,5,6 Precipitating factors in the development of the NPDC have been reported to be trauma, infection, and spontaneous occurrence.…”

“…3,5,6 Precipitating factors in the development of the NPDC have been reported to be trauma, infection, and spontaneous occurrence. 4 Nasopalatine duct cysts are most often detected in patients between the fourth to sixth decades of life. 6,7 The cysts often present as asymptomatic swellings of the palate but can present with painful swelling or drainage.…”