Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor (Parakeratinised Oodontogenic Keratocyst) - A Review

Abstract

Cysts constitute about 17 percent of the tissue specimens submitted to oral pathology biopsy services. Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is quite unique among odontogenic cysts in its specific clinical characteristics, histological features and aggressive biological behavior. Despite the voluminous reports, OKC has generated considerable controversy with regard to its true nature. Therefore the Working Group of WHO in 2005, reclassified parakeratinised OKC as a Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor, (KCOT) suggesting this lesion to be a benign cystic neoplasm. Therefore this article aims at reviewing the etiology, clinical, histological, radiographic features as well as the advances made in understanding the aggressive biological behavior and the high recurrence rate of KCOT in detail.