Clinicopathological Profile of Odontogenic Cysts and Tumors in an Iranian Population: A 12-Year Retrospective Study with Forensic and Diagnostic Implications Odontogenic Cysts and Tumors in an Iranian Population
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine,
Vol. 16 (2026),
1 January 2026
,
Page 1-7
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijmtfm.v16.53540
Abstract
Background: Odontogenic cysts and tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions arising from the tooth-forming apparatus. Their relative frequency varies across geographic regions and ethnic populations. Data from central Iran remain limited. This study aimed to determine the frequency and clinicopathological profile of jaw cysts and tumors in Kashan County over a 12-year period and to examine associations with demographic and clinical variables, with particular attention to changes following the establishment of a dental school.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on pathology records of patients diagnosed with jaw cysts or tumors at Shahid Beheshti, Yathrebi, and Milad hospitals in Kashan (Central Iran). Demographic data, lesion site, histological type, and referring clinician were extracted. Lesions were categorized according to contemporary WHO criteria. Associations were assessed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests (SPSS v20; significance set at p < 0.05).
Results: Of 168 cases, 56% were female and 44% male; the majority (53%) was aged 31–60 years. Cysts predominated (46.4%), followed by soft-tissue lesions (26.8%), tumors (14.9%), and osseous lesions (11.9%). Odontogenic cysts accounted for 75 of 78 cysts. The results showed a significant relationship between sex, treating clinician, site of involvement, type of cyst, and type of tumor with the type of lesion (p < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between the date of referral and age range with the type of lesion (p = 0.23).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that expansion and advancement in human resources and knowledge, as well as the improvement of infrastructure, substantially facilitate the screening and identification of these lesions and tumors, which can be highly effective in prevention and treatment. Greater efforts are required to improve conditions and provide facilities in different regions of the country.
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