Globulomaxillary Cyst Concept — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — It is not a distinct entity; lesions at this site must be classified clinicopathologically as recognised odontogenic or other lesions.
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · B = shown as D
A is correct. “Globulomaxillary cyst” describes a historical radiographic pattern rather than a distinct pathological entity. Lesions between the maxillary lateral incisor and canine require correlation of tooth vitality, imaging and histopathology. Reported cases have subsequently been classified as recognised lesions such as lateral periodontal cysts, radicular cysts, odontogenic keratocysts and odontogenic tumours. Options B and C reproduce the obsolete fissural or non-odontogenic cyst concept, which is unsupported by modern embryology. A salivary retention cyst is a soft-tissue salivary lesion and does not explain an intraosseous interradicular radiolucency. Nasolacrimal epithelial remnants are likewise not the accepted origin of this pattern. The final diagnosis must therefore be the specific underlying lesion, not “globulomaxillary cyst.”
Reference: Dammer U, Driemel O, Mohren W, et al. Globulomaxillary cysts—do they really exist? Clinical Oral Investigations. 2014;18:239–246. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23455575/