Lateral Periodontal Cyst
Also written as: LPC — Lateral Periodontal Cyst
A non-inflammatory developmental odontogenic cyst located lateral to the root of a vital tooth, characterised histologically by a thin non-keratinising epithelial lining with focal epithelial thickenings or plaques.
Full Definition
Lateral Periodontal Cyst (LPC) is a developmental cyst of odontogenic origin, arising from remnants of the dental lamina alongside the lateral surface of a vital tooth root, most commonly in the mandibular premolar–canine region. It is the intraosseous counterpart of the gingival cyst of the adult. Its hallmark histological feature is a thin (1–3 cell layers), non-keratinising squamous or cuboidal epithelial lining with focal nodular thickenings (epithelial plaques). When multicystic, it is designated the botryoid odontogenic cyst, a variant with higher recurrence. Editors must ensure the distinction between LPC (developmental, vital tooth, non-inflammatory) and radicular cyst (inflammatory, non-vital tooth) is clearly maintained in any clinical or histopathological description.
Usage
Usage note: Verify tooth vitality is stated in the clinical context—LPC is always associated with a vital tooth, unlike radicular cyst. Distinguish from botryoid odontogenic cyst (multicystic variant) in reports.
In Context
- "The well-defined radiolucency lateral to the vital mandibular premolar was confirmed histologically as a lateral periodontal cyst (LPC)." — Oral Pathology Report
- "The editor queried whether the cyst was unilocular or multilocular to determine whether 'botryoid odontogenic cyst' was a more appropriate diagnosis." — Case Report Editorial Query