← All NEET MDS Topics

OKC / Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor

Oral Pathology & Microbiology • NEET MDS Study Guide • AI-Generated Notes

⭐ High-Yield Facts for Exam

  • Parakeratinized lining with corrugated surface.
  • Palisaded, hyperchromatic basal layer.
  • Grows antero-posteriorly with little expansion.
  • Satellite cysts → high recurrence.
  • Multiple OKCs = Gorlin–Goltz syndrome.

Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC / KCOT)

The OKC is a developmental odontogenic cyst notable for its aggressive behaviour and high recurrence. It grows in an antero-posterior direction along the marrow spaces with relatively little bony expansion.

Histopathology (high-yield)

  • Parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium (NOT orthokeratinized).
  • Uniform thickness (6–10 cells), with a corrugated/wavy luminal surface.
  • Palisaded, hyperchromatic basal cell layer ("tombstone/picket-fence").
  • Friable, often separated epithelium; satellite (daughter) cysts in the wall → recurrence.

Clinical & Radiographic

Posterior mandible most common. Well-defined uni- or multilocular radiolucency. Multiple OKCs → think Gorlin–Goltz (nevoid basal cell carcinoma) syndrome.

Treatment

Enucleation with peripheral ostectomy, Carnoy's solution, or marsupialization for large lesions. High recurrence demands long-term follow-up.

Exam Tips ⭐

Parakeratinized + palisaded basal layer + satellite cysts + high recurrence = OKC. Orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst is a separate, less aggressive entity with low recurrence.

📝 Practice MCQs — OKC / Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor

Q1. The epithelial lining of OKC is characteristically:
A. Orthokeratinized
B. Parakeratinized
C. Non-keratinized
D. Pseudostratified
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
OKC shows parakeratinized epithelium with a corrugated surface.
Q2. Multiple OKCs are associated with:
A. Gardner syndrome
B. Gorlin–Goltz syndrome
C. Peutz–Jeghers syndrome
D. Albright syndrome
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Multiple OKCs are a feature of nevoid basal cell carcinoma (Gorlin–Goltz) syndrome.
Q3. High recurrence of OKC is attributed to:
A. Thick capsule
B. Satellite (daughter) cysts
C. Calcifications
D. Ghost cells
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Satellite cysts in the wall and friable lining cause recurrence.
Q4. The basal cell layer of OKC classically shows:
A. Flattened cells
B. Palisaded hyperchromatic nuclei
C. Clear cells
D. Mucous cells
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Palisaded, hyperchromatic basal cells ('tombstone') are characteristic.
📧 Get Free NEET MDS MCQs in Your Inbox
50 high-yield MCQs + mnemonics + AI study tips — completely free
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Related Topics

AmeloblastomaDentigerous CystOther Cysts (Gorlin)