Pattern of Odontogenic Cysts Managed at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, South East Nigeria

Odontogenic cysts are a clinically and histologically diverse group of jaw lesions that represent some of the most common pathological conditions managed in oral and maxillofacial surgery departments. Their early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management are essential to prevent bone destruction, tooth loss, and potential malignant transformation. This retrospective descriptive study reviews the frequency, histopathological types, anatomical location, and management of odontogenic cysts at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), over a ten-year period from 2014 to 2024. A total of 95 biopsy-confirmed cases were retrieved from pathology records. Radicular cysts were the most frequently diagnosed type, constituting 48.4% of all cases, followed by dentigerous cysts at 29.5% and odontogenic keratocysts at 14.7%. Males were more commonly affected than females, with a peak occurrence in the third and fourth decades of life. The majority of cysts were located in the mandible, with the premolar-molar region being the dominant anatomical site. Enucleation was the primary surgical technique employed, with marsupialization reserved for larger lesions. Recurrence at one-year follow-up was documented in 11.6% of odontogenic keratocyst cases. These findings contribute to the regional understanding of jaw cyst epidemiology and reinforce the importance of histopathological confirmation for all excised jaw lesions. Keywords: odontogenic cysts, radicular cyst, dentigerous cyst, jaw lesions, Enugu.