Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst
A benign cystic odontogenic lesion characterised by ghost cells and calcification, also known as Gorlin cyst or dentinogenic ghost cell tumour.
Full Definition
The calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is a developmental odontogenic lesion that occupies a spectrum from cyst to neoplasm. Its hallmark is the presence of aberrant keratinocytes (ghost cells) that may undergo calcification. It can occur in both intraosseous and extraosseous forms, and its solid neoplastic counterpart is designated the dentinogenic ghost cell tumour. Editors must note that COC and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma are distinct entities and must not be conflated. The WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours governs preferred terminology.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate to COC in formal pathology reports without prior expansion. Distinguish carefully from the solid variant (dentinogenic ghost cell tumour) in editorial review.
In Context
- "The report described a unilocular radiolucency associated with an impacted canine, consistent with a calcifying odontogenic cyst." — Histopathology report
- "When editing, do not substitute 'calcifying odontogenic cyst' with 'calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour'; they are separate WHO-classified entities." — Editorial style note