RESUMO
To analyze the relative frequency and pattern of distribution of odontogenic cysts in a Libyan population. We retrospectively studied 525 patients with history of odontogenic cysts attending oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at Tripoli Medical Center. Radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts and OKCs were further analyzed with regard to age, gender and anatomical distribution. Using the WHO histological classification, 437 cases [83%] were diagnosed as radicular cysts, 67 [12%] as dentigerous cysts, 8 [2%] as odentogenic keratocytes and 13 [3%] as residual cysts. In contrast to other studies, females are more likely to be affected than males at ratio of 1.3:1, but age range [8-70 years] is almost comparable to other published data. Incidence of radicular cysts in Libyan population is slightly higher than other studies conducted on other populations, with female predominance [61%]. All cases of dentigerous cysts occurred in 2[nd] to 3[rd] decade of life and none of them associated with syndromes. OKC was the 2[nd] most common developmental odontogenic cyst in this study. No male predilection was apparent and the cyst is commonly seen at 2[nd] decade of life. Carcinomatous and amelobastomatous transformation in apparent and the cyst is commonly seen at 2[nd] decade of life. Carcinomatous and ameloblastomatous transformation in all cases of dentigerous cysts and OKC were not detected. There is need for more studies in Libyan population to establish the true pattern of odontogenic cysts