Giant cysts of the maxilla

Maxillary cysts represent a heterogeneous group of endosseous cavitary formations, most of which are lined with an epithelial membrane consisting of an outer layer of connective tissue and an inner layer composed of stratified epithelium, with a content that can be liquid, semisolid, or gas. Giant cysts are pathological formations characterized by large dimensions (greater than 3 centimeters in diameter), which exceed the anatomical space of the maxilla in which they initially appeared, affecting adjacent anatomical structures, infiltrating them, and disrupting their integrity and functionality. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the diagnostic and treatment particularities of giant cysts of the maxilla. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, descriptive, selective study conducted from 2022 to 2024, involving 21 patients: 15 (71.0%) men and 6 (29.0%) women. Results and Discussion: In 3 patients (14.3%; 95% CI: -1.04 - 29.64), the cyst exclusively penetrated the nasal cavity; in 8 patients (38.1%; 95% CI: 16.82 - 59.38), it invaded the maxillary sinus. Based on the type of surgical treatment applied, three groups were identified: 10 patients (47.6%) underwent cystectomy, 4 patients (19.0%) underwent marsupialization, and 7 patients (33.3%) underwent decompression. The choice of diagnostic and treatment methods should be individualized according to the specific characteristics of each clinical case.