Odontogenic Keratocyst
Pronunciation: oh-DON-toh-JEN-ik KEHR-uh-toh-sist
Also written as: OKC — Odontogenic Keratocyst
A locally aggressive odontogenic cyst characterised by a thin, parakeratinised epithelial lining and a high recurrence rate; abbreviated OKC.
Full Definition
The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a developmental odontogenic cyst with a distinct histological appearance: a thin, uniform, parakeratinised stratified squamous epithelium with a palisaded basal layer and a corrugated surface. It exhibits aggressive behavior due to an intrinsic growth potential of the epithelial lining and has a well-documented tendency to recur after simple enucleation. Previously classified as 'keratocystic odontogenic tumour' (KCOT) by the 2005 WHO classification, it was reclassified as a cyst in the 2017 revision. Editors working on pathology or surgical reports must be aware of this nomenclature evolution and apply whichever term the submitting institution uses, noting any discrepancy for the author.
Usage
Usage note: Note the 2017 WHO reclassification from 'keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT)' back to 'odontogenic keratocyst (OKC)'. Editors should flag outdated terminology and query the author when the two terms are used interchangeably in one document.
In Context
- "Histopathological examination confirmed an odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and the patient was counselled regarding the 25–60% recurrence rate." — Pathology report
- "The surgical team opted for peripheral ostectomy following enucleation of the odontogenic keratocyst to minimize the risk of recurrence." — Case summary