Odontogenic Cyst
Pronunciation: oh-DON-toh-JEN-ik SIST
A pathological cavity lined by epithelium derived from odontogenic (tooth-forming) tissues, commonly requiring surgical enucleation or marsupialisation.
Full Definition
Odontogenic cysts are jaw lesions whose epithelial lining originates from remnants of the tooth-forming apparatus, such as Hertwig's epithelial root sheath or the reduced enamel epithelium. Common examples include the dentigerous cyst and the odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). Editors will encounter this term in histopathology reports, operative notes, and referral letters. It is distinct from non-odontogenic cysts, which arise from non-dental epithelial rests. Correct spelling preserves the '-genic' suffix, and the term is always written as two words.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with 'odontogenic tumour'; cysts are lined cavities, tumours are proliferative neoplasms. 'Odontogenic' is one word as an adjective.
In Context
- "The panoramic radiograph revealed a well-defined odontogenic cyst associated with the crown of the unerupted lower-right third molar." — Radiology report
- "Histopathological analysis confirmed the lesion to be an odontogenic cyst with no evidence of malignant transformation." — Pathology report