The pathology of head and neck tumors: cysts of the jaws, part 12.

The jaws are unique bones of the skeleton because of their intimate involvement with tooth and facial development. Abnormal sequelae of these developmental processes may give rise to cystic lesions later in life. This paper reviews the pathogenesis, clinical features, and behavior of these odontogenic and nonodontogenic cysts. Justification is found for the exclusion of the globulomaxillary, midmandibular, and midpalatine cysts from a current classification. Emphasis is placed on the importance and controversy surrounding the odontogenic keratocyst.