Gingival cysts in the adult

Background: Gingival cysts in the adult are unusual cysts of odontogenic origin with less than 100 reported, including this series. Even rarer are cases of multiple gingival cysts. This paper reports the second largest retrospective study of biopsy cases of adult gingival cysts with a spectrum of their features and another case of multiple gingival cysts. Methods: The files of a biopsy service were reviewed for the most recent 10-year period. Data collected included location, age, gender, clinical features, clinical diagnosis, and histologic features. These were compared to previous reports. There was also a case report of multiple cysts. Results: Twenty-two adult gingival cysts were retrieved, 2 of which were multiple. They are uncommon cysts of odontogenic origin, noted primarily in the fifth and sixth decades with only a slight predilection for females. They occur more in the mandible on the labial attached gingiva of the anterior teeth. Histology shows a very thin, uninflamed wall lined by a very thin squamoid or cuboidal epithelium. Multiple cysts are very rare. Conclusions: Gingival cysts in the adult are uncommon cysts that are diagnosed at the clinical level about 50% of the time, with others being confused with a mucocele. They may be bluish due to the fluid and may cause pressure resorption of the labial bone, yielding a radiolucency sometimes confused with a lateral periodontal cyst. Treatment consists of an excisional biopsy.