How do non-keratocystic lesions respond to decompression?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether non-keratocystic lesions respond to decompression and to quantify the magnitude of change.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of 56 patients treated between 2017 and 2022 at the University of Illinois Chicago was conducted. Inclusion criteria were decompression tube placement, histopathologic confirmation of a non-keratocystic lesion, and pre-/post-decompression CBCT suitable for volumetric analysis. Lesion diagnosis was the primary predictor. Primary outcomes were percent volume reduction and rate of volumetric change. One-way ANOVA and t-tests (P < .05) assessed associations.

RESULTS

Lesion diagnosis did not significantly predict percent reduction or rate of change. Dentigerous cysts showed the greatest mean reduction (64.4%), followed by periapical (46.3%) and inflammatory cysts (45.2%). Ameloblastomas demonstrated variable response, with two increasing in size during decompression.

CONCLUSION

Decompression provides meaningful volume reduction in dentigerous, periapical, and inflammatory cysts but is not recommended for conventional ameloblastoma due to the risk of progression and delayed definitive treatment.