Glandular odontogenic cyst misdiagnosed and treated as a periapical inflammatory lesion for 6 years in an older adult

Objectives To document the case of a patient who underwent several endodontic treatments due to a glandular odontogenic cyst misdiagnosed as an inflammatory periapical lesion. Background Glandular odontogenic cysts behave more aggressively, while others have an indolent course. There is limited information on this cyst in the gerodontologic literature. Materials and Methods A 76‐year‐old male patient presented with an asymptomatic expansive lesion in the anterior mandible resistant to several endodontic treatments. Cone‐beam computed tomography revealed a multilocular osteolytic lesion measuring 6.0 × 4.0 cm, with cortical bone perforation. Results Histopathological analysis of a biopsy specimen was consistent with glandular odontogenic cyst. The patient underwent marginal mandibulectomy with preservation of the base of the mandible. Conclusion A strict diagnostic process is important to avoid unwanted consequences, particularly in the geriatric population.