Gingival Cyst of the Adult
A small, superficial soft-tissue cyst arising in the attached gingiva or interdental papilla of adults, derived from rests of the dental lamina, and lined by thin non-keratinising or focally keratinising epithelium.
Full Definition
Gingival Cyst of the Adult is an uncommon, typically asymptomatic cyst that presents as a small bluish or normal-coloured dome-shaped swelling in the attached gingiva, most frequently in the mandibular premolar–canine region. It is derived from remnants of the dental lamina (rests of Serres) and is the soft-tissue counterpart of the lateral periodontal cyst. Histologically it is lined by a thin, flat or focally thickened, non-keratinising epithelium with characteristic plaques or whorls. Editors must distinguish this entity from its intraosseous equivalent (lateral periodontal cyst) and from Epstein pearls or Bohn's nodules, which are analogous lesions in neonates. The name must include 'of the adult' to differentiate it from the neonatal equivalent.
Usage
Usage note: The qualifier 'of the adult' is mandatory in the full term to distinguish it from the neonatal gingival cyst (Epstein pearls/Bohn's nodules). Do not abbreviate to 'gingival cyst' without the qualifier in pathology reports.
In Context
- "Excision of the bluish gingival nodule revealed a gingival cyst of the adult lined by thin, focally thickened epithelium with plaques." — Oral Surgery Pathology Report
- "The editor added 'of the adult' to 'gingival cyst' throughout the manuscript to align with the full WHO designation." — Editorial Revision