Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour
Also written as: KCOT — Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour
A former WHO designation (2005–2017) for the lesion now re-classified as odontogenic keratocyst (OKC); editors must recognise both terms and their chronological context.
Full Definition
Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) was the term introduced by the 2005 WHO Classification to reflect the neoplastic behaviour and high recurrence rate of the odontogenic keratocyst. The 2017 WHO Classification reverted the terminology back to 'odontogenic keratocyst (OKC)', removing it from the neoplasm category. Editors working on manuscripts, textbooks, or guidelines must therefore be aware that both terms exist in the literature and that their usage reflects the date of composition and the referenced WHO edition. Using KCOT in a contemporary manuscript without qualification or historical context should be flagged as a potential anachronism.
Usage
Usage note: This term is superseded but frequently encountered in literature from 2005–2017. Always clarify which WHO edition is being cited when this term appears.
In Context
- "The 2009 paper referenced 'keratocystic odontogenic tumour'; the editor noted this reflects the 2005 WHO classification and should be updated to 'odontogenic keratocyst' if citing current criteria." — Systematic review editorial note
- "To maintain consistency with the cited WHO 2017 edition, KCOT was replaced with OKC throughout the manuscript." — Copy-editing summary