Managing a symptomatic large nasopalatine duct cyst – a case report

Abstract

Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are the most common non-odontogenic cysts of the maxilla, originating from the remnants of the nasopalatine duct. Typically asymptomatic, these cysts can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort when they enlarge, often affecting the anterior maxillary region. NPDCs are usually detected incidentally on radiographic examinations, but larger cysts may present with symptoms requiring intervention. This case report presents a 38-year-old male with no systemic diseases who visited XXX University, Faculty of Dentistry with severe pain and swelling in the anterior maxillary region. Clinical examination revealed fluctuation in the palatal mucosa, while CBCT imaging showed a homogenous hypodense lesion with sclerotic borders, adjacent to the nasal cavity floor with evidence of bone destruction and perforation of the palatal cortex. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a NPDC. This case is distinctive due to the unusually large size and symptomatic presentation. Notably, pain is a rare occurrence in NPDCs.