ODONTOGENIC CYSTS AND TUMOURS: CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL DATA OF 13 YEARS FROM TERTIARY ORAL HEALTH CARE CENTER OF SOUTH INDIA

Background:Odontogenic cysts and tumors arise from remnants of the tooth-forming apparatus and exhibit
diverse biological behaviors. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management, especially with
updates in the WHO 2024 classification. To retrospectively analyze the demographic, clinical, radiological,
and histopathological features of odontogenic cysts and tumors diagnosed over 13 years at a tertiary oral
health center in South India.
Material and Methods: This study reviewed 433 histopathologically confirmed cases from 6,739 oral
biopsies recorded between 2010 and 2023. Data were analyzed for age, gender, lesion site, radiographic
appearance, and pathological type. Classification was done according to the WHO 2024 guidelines.
Results: A total of 433 cases (6.42%) were identified, with a male predominance (1.6:1) and peak incidence
in the 20–29 years age group. The mandible was more frequently affected, particularly on the left side.
Odontogenic keratocyst was the most common cyst (121 cases), while ameloblastoma was the most common
tumor (97 cases). Most lesions presented as unilocular radiolucencies.
Conclusion: Odontogenic lesions in this population showed trends consistent with global data. The study
underscores the value of histopathology and the relevance of the updated WHO classification in guiding
diagnosis and management of these diverse lesions.