Incisive Canal Cyst (Nasopalatine Duct Cyst)

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Patient is a 55yr old male, did CT for nasal obstruction, to look for sinusitis. Incidental cyst found in anterior maxilla between roots of central incisors. Multiple periapical lucencies are also seen in the maxillary molars of both sides.

 

Incisive Canal Cyst (Nasopalatine Duct Cyst)

A nasopalatine duct cyst (incisive canal cyst) is a nonodontogenic developmental cyst or fissural cyst arising in the nasopalatine duct near the anterior palatine papilla. It is the most common nonodontogenic cyst. The cysts probably arise from epithelial remnants in the incisive canal. They can occur at any age but are most frequently found in the fourth and sixth decades of life, with no sex predilection. These cysts are usually asymptomatic, but some patients note swelling in the palate, especially when the cyst is primarily in the incisive papilla. Alternatively, the anterior maxilla can be remodeled forward, elevating the columella of the nose.

It may be difficult on imaging to differentiate between an enlarged incisive fossa and an incisive canal cyst. The incisive canal cyst is always located at or close to the midline and usually is round or ovoid, although it may be heart-shaped. A condensed rim of cortical bone is often seen along the periphery, and the lesion may displace the roots of the central incisor teeth.

Reference : Head and Neck Imaging, by Peter.M.Som, 4th Edition.