Peripheral odontogenic keratocyst : report of two new cases and review of the literature

Peripheral odontogenic keratocyst (POKC) is a rare soft tissue entity showing the same histological characteristics of odontogenic keratocyst. Herein, we report two cases of POKC affecting the gingiva/alveolar mucosa. Case 1. A 43-year-old female was referred for evaluation of a painless well-defined nodular, sessile, non-tender swelling in the right maxillary buccal gingiva. No radiological alterations were observed. The patient was submitted to excisional biopsy and histological diagnosis was POKC. There were no signs of local recurrence after a 4-year follow-up. Case 2. A 63-year-old female was referred for evaluation of a painless well-defined nodular, sessile, yellowish swelling in the anterior mandibular alveolar mucosa. No radiological alterations were observed. The patient was submitted to excisional biopsy and histological diagnosis was POKC. Patient recovery was uneventful but she did not return for follow-up. POKC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gingival cystic swellings and can be managed through conservative surgery