Decompression of an extensive Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor in an elderly patient

The Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor (KCOT) is a benign intraosseous neoplasm, usually found between the second and fourth decades of life, and with a large predilection for the mandible, especially the ramus and angle regions. The KCOT is characterized by a high rate of recurrence and its treatment choices are still very controversial, usually falling into conservative or aggressive approaches. Here we report a 65-year-old patient with an extensive KCOT involving the body, angle and ramus of the mandible. The treatment consisted only in decompression and, the lesion disappeared completely along with, facial contour restoration; five years of follow-up show no evidence of recurrence. Thus, we emphasize the importance of a conservative treatment for extensive cases and situations that involve elderly patients or children, once conservative techniques are simpler, induce lower morbidity and allowfor good success rates.