Oral Pathology / Pedodontics

PALATAL AND ALVEOLAR CYSTS OF NEWBORN

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  • Dental lamina cyst of Newborn
  • Gingival cyst of Newborn
  • Epstein’s pearls, Bohn’s nodules
Dental Lamina Cyst of Newborn👇🏻

Dental lamina cyst of newborn are multiple, occasionally solitary, superficial raised nodules on edentulous alveolar ridges of infants that resolve without treatment; derived from rests of dental lamina & consisting of keratin producing epithelial lining.

Epstein’s pearls👇🏻

Cystic keratin filled nodules; derived from epithelial remnants entrapped along line of fusion, usually seen at midpalatine raphe.

Bohn’s nodules👇🏻

Keratin filled cysts scattered over the palate at the junction of hard and soft palate; derived from palatal salivary gland structures.

🔹Introduction:

  • A special form of odontogenic cyst – 80% of the infants.
  • Gingival cyst is M/E similar to epidermoid cyst.
  • It develops after 4 week in utero.
  • Palatal Cyst arises from epithelial remnants in stroma after fusion of palatal processes usually at posterior midline of hard palate.

🔹Clinical Features:

➡️ Gingival Cyst:

  1. They are multiple, superficial raised nodules on edentulous alveolar ridge of infants that resolve without treatment.
  2. They are localized in corium below the surface epithelium.
  3. Those found in anterior portion of jaw are displaced lingually & in posterior portion are found occlusal to crown of molars.
  4. They are asymptomatic and do not produce any discomfort to the infant.
  5. These are small discrete, white swellings, blanched from internal pressure.

➡️ Palatal Cyst:

  1. They are Multiple (<6), 1-4mm in size & yellow-white in color. Sessile mucosal papules of posterior hard palate.
  2. They are larger & less numerous than gingival cyst. Both are so superficial that several may be ruptured at the time of examination.

🔹 Histopathological Features:

  • Thin, stratified squamous epithelium – produce keratin.
  • Fibrovascular connective tissue stroma without inflammatory infilterate.
  • Cystic lumen filled with degenerated keratin, formed into concentric layers/onion rings.
  • Epithelium lacks Rete processes.
  • Dystrophic calcification & Hyaline bodies seen.

🔹Treatment:

Generally self limiting, (within 3 months) no treatment is required in most of the cases. If baby is having feeding difficulties, complete excision of the cyst can be done.

References: Shafer’s Textbook of Oral Pathology 7th Edition

Dr. Mehnaz Memon🖊

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