Nasopalatine duct cyst: a multicenter retrospective study of 63 cases and an integrative review of the clinical, imaginological and histopathological aspects

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC) is the most common nonodontogenic jaw cyst, with a higher prevalence reported in males. Diagnosing jaw cysts remains challenging for general dentists due to their overlapping clinical and radiographic presentations. An updated case series and integrative literature review may assist in improving the accurate diagnosis of NPDC. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological and imaging characteristics of 63 NPDC cases and to review previously reported cases in the literature. METHODOLOGY: An international, multicenter, retrospective NPDC case series was conducted. Demographic, radiographic, and histopathological data were collected from clinical records. Additionally, a PubMed/MEDLINE search was performed to identify articles on NPDC. RESULTS: A total of 63 NPDC cases were evaluated, with a mean patient age of 47 years and no significant sex predilection. Twenty-one cases were asymptomatic, while 34 presented with symptoms such as pain and swelling. Radiographically, NPDC appeared as a well-defined radiolucent lesion located between the upper central incisors, bordered by a radiopaque margin. The integrative literature review identified 67 studies, comprising 51 case reports, 12 retrospective studies, and four case series, totaling 1,003 reported NPDC cases. The clinicopathological and radiographic findings from the literature aligned with those in this case series. CONCLUSION: The 63 cases analyzed in this study showed consistent findings across six international centers, with no sex predilection observed, contrasting with the male dominance reported in the literature. NPDC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraosseous lesions in the anterior maxilla. Accurate diagnosis requires a combination of radiographic and histopathological evaluations to prevent misdiagnosis and improper treatment.