The histomorphologic spectrum of the gingival cyst in the adult.

Gingival cysts with clinical manifestations are relatively uncommon lesions. The present study adds thirty-three new cases to the literature and analyzes their clinical and histologic features. The mandibular cuspid and first premolar region was found to be the most common location. The epithelial lining of the cysts was of several types. The most common type was a thin, flattened lining with or without localized thickenings (buds). Other types included nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium, keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, and parakeratinized epithelium with palisading basal cells. Gingival cysts should be distinguished from lateral periodontal cysts on the basis of their origin in the gingiva rather than in bone. It appears that most gingival cysts with clinical manifestations are of odontogenic origin.