[Nasopalatine canal cyst: 4 cases and a review of the literature].

Objectives: Nasopalatine cyst (NPC) is the most common epithelial and non-odontogenic cyst arising in the maxilla. It is nevertheless generally underestimated by ENT surgeons. The purpose of our report was to provide details about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of NPC.
Material and Methods: Our study was based on a retrospective analysis of four cases and a review of the literature.
Results: From January 2002 to March 2003, four patients (3 males and 1 female, mean age 43 Years) were treated for NPC at the ENT Department of Grenoble University hospital. One patient had received prior treatment. Symptoms were a palatine mass on the midline of the hard palate behind the central maxillary incisors in two patients, and a superior vestibular mass in the two others. Diagnosis was established on the basis of the CT-scan and histological findings. Excision was performed under general anesthesia in all four patients. Median hospital stay was four days (3-5 days). There was no post-operative complication. Median follow-up was 10 Months.
Conclusion: NPC is arises from embryological tIssue. It must be differentiated from radicular cyst. Diagnosis is based on radiographic and histological results. Treatment consists in enucleation. Surgical access depends on the size of the cyst and its anterior or posterior extension. Excision must be total to avoid relapse which may occur after five Years. Long-term follow-up is essential.