The aim of this case-control study is to evaluate the effects of decompression of cystic jaw lesions by means of comparing pre- and post-decompression histologic findings.

The main question it aims to answer is:

Does decompression of cystic jaw lesions alter the histologic diagnosis?

A retrospective analysis was performed based on the comparison of initial and final histologic diagnoses of patients with an odontogenic cystic lesion, that was surgically treated with decompression followed by a definitive surgery.

The study included patients with a histologic diagnosis of an odontogenic cystic lesion, that was surgically treated with decompression followed by a definitive surgery. The study was carried out retrospectively by means of evaluating records, surgical and histologic reports of patients. Pre- and post-decompression histologic findings were compared in effort to understand if decompression leads to alteration in histologic character and change in diagnoses of lesions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• To have an initial diagnosis of an odontogenic cystic jaw lesion confirmed with an incisional biopsy.
• The patients must have undergone decompression and, enucleation or enucleation and peripheral ostectomy after decompression period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previously treated patients
• The patients with missing information in medical and/or dental records
• The patients who did not adhere to follow-up protocol

The study included patients with a histologic diagnosis of an odontogenic cystic lesion, that was surgically treated with decompression followed by a definitive surgery.