Nasopalatine duct cysts and the role of magnetic resonance imaging.

Nasopalatine duct cysts are a common etiology for anterior midline palatal masses, which may be seen by craniofacial surgeons. Plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be useful in their diagnoses. Clinically, they may be symptomatic in more than 70% of patients. Treatment is surgical excision, with a recurrence rate of approximately 10%. We present a case of a midline, palatal mass in a 13-year-old girl in whom an MRI scan was utilized and evaluated as a radiological tool in the diagnosis and treatment plan of a nasopalatine duct cyst. An MRI scan is useful diagnostic tool; it provides exceptional definition of the anatomy in this region. A critical review of the literature, as well as pathogenesis and treatment recommendations, are provided.