FREQUENCY, RECURRENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH KERATOCYSTS DIAGNOSED IN THE ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY LABORATORY OF THE UNIVERSIDAD PERUANA CAYETANO HEREDIA TEACHING DENTAL CENTER, LIMA-PERU, 2000-2019

Abstract

The keratocyst is a cystic lesion that originates from the remnants of the dental lamina. Its incidence is most common between the second and third decades of life, with a high prevalence in the lower jaw, particularly in the region of the last molars. Objective: To determine the frequency, recurrence of keratocysts, and associated factors in the oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratory of the dental teaching center at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), Lima, Peru, during the period 2000-2019. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical, descriptive, and retrospective study based on 15,926 histopathological records from the oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratory at UPCH (2000-2019). The sample applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A total of 321 cases of odontogenic keratocysts were analyzed, of which 75.08% were located in the lower jaw and 24.92% in the upper jaw. Within the lower jaw, the mandibular body was the most affected area (21.18%). Regarding recurrence, 11.53% of cases showed recurrence, most frequently within the first year (5.30%). The mandibular body was again the most affected site in recurrent cases (4.37%). In terms of sex distribution, there was a slight predominance in females (55.76%). The highest incidence was observed in patients aged 11 to 20 years (25.23%). Conclusion: Keratocysts predominantly affect the lower jaw, with the mandibular body being the most commonly involved area, particularly in young patients between 11 and 20 years old. Although recurrence is low, it primarily occurs within the first year after treatment. No significant differences were found in case distribution or recurrence based on sex or age group, suggesting that other factors may influence their development.