Educational Article

Cysts of the jaws and how to make their diagnoses under a microscope: a need for a better communication between clinicians and pathologists

¹ Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, Université Côte d’Azur, EA 7354 MICORALIS (Microbiologie Orale, Immunothérapie et Santé), 06357 Nice, France
² Institut de Médecine Bucco-Dentaire du CHU de Nice, 28 boulevard de Riquier, 06300 Nice
³ Laboratoire Central d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques (LCAP), 30 avenue de la Voie Romaine, 06000 Nice, France
⁴ Activité libérale de radiologie dentaire exclusive (Liberal practice of exclusive dental radiology), 35 Rue Rossini, 06000 Nice, France

^* Correspondence: Strokov.s@chu-nice.fr

Received: 28 December 2023
Accepted: 25 March 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Cysts of the jaws constitute an heterogenous group of lesions occurring in the maxillofacial region. Their diagnosis is challenging and necessitating a meticulous correlation of clinical, radiological, and pathological features. Pathologists often face numerous difficulties stemming from inadequate clinical and radiological information, along with limited samples. Nevertheless, clinicians are not always aware of the pathologist's concerns, making difficult to know exactly which pertinent clinical information they should deliver in their request form. The objective of this article is to illustrate the microscopic diagnostic pitfalls associated with cystic lesions of the jaws and enhance communication between oral surgeons and oral pathologist. Corpus: This section starts by examining the essential clinical and radiological data necessary for a precise pathological diagnosis. Subsequently, we discuss about the differential diagnosis of jaw cystic lesions, categorizing them into five distinct subsets based on their microscopic features, particularly their histological lining. For each subset, we engage in a detailed discussion concerning the primary diagnostic challenges and their implications for treatment decisions. Conclusion: Pathologist and clinicians are not irreconcilables: improved communication, rooted in a mutual understanding of each other's concerns, leads to optimizing the diagnosis and subsequently the treatment of jaw cysts.