Abstract
This paper describes three cases of multiple cysts of jaw from one family. The literature emphasizes the infrequent occurence of multiple cysts in different areas of both jaws in one patient. The three patient were females aged 24, 29 and 32. The clinical course is described together with the results of 37 recent multiple cyst case reports in Japan during the period from 1974 to 1983. The ages of the patients ranged from 5 to 56 years, with a mean of 20 years. Males and females were almost equally affected. The mandible is invariably affected more frequently than maxilla, in this series of 67% versus 33%. In the mandible, the majority of the cysts occrur in the third molar area, followed by the molar area and then the ramus area. In the maxilla, the most common area is the third molar area followed by molar area and cuspid region. In cases of apparent multiple cyst, basal cell epithelioma syndroma should be considered. But no other features of the syndroma was found. We suppose that they have a predisposition of cyst formation while others have a familial trait. It is necessary that people who have multiple cysts in their relatives should be examined.
