Odontogenic Keratocyst - Clinical, Radiographic and Histopathologic Features

Odontogenic keratocyst denoted as OKC is a rare and benign cystic lesion of the jaws accounting for 10-12 percent of all jaw cysts. The cyst has a neoplastic nature and a tendency towards recurrence which stands it out amongst all jaw cysts. Following dentigerous and radicular cysts OKCs are considered the third most common and most important odontogenic or tooth derived cyst . okcs has both cystic and tumor like nature. OKCs are given a special consideration amongst all jaw cysts and what makes the cyst different from other odontogenic cyst is because of statements. 1. Greater growth potential compared to other odontogenic cysts which results in overgrowth of the cyst. This feature is suggestive of its aggressive behavior and is thought to be a result of inactivation or mutations in some tumor suppressing genes within the cystic epithelium like p53 genes or some other genes like PTCH genes. These genes are present throughout our body cells and when mutated somewhere, cells in that particular area starts overproducing themselves. Besides this, the greater growth potential also results from enzymes like collagenase within the cystic epithelium. 2. secondly the cyst shows a higher recurrence rate resulting from its extremely delicate and fragile cystic wall left after removal of the cyst. 3. and the third most important cause why the cysts are given so much attention is that in 80 percent of cases they are associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome where multiple OKCs are found within the jaws. Video(diagrams+editing) & Voiceover: Dr. Maryam Kazman Become a Patreon and Get Exclusive Rewards:   / dentalmaniak   Join me on facebook:   / .  . Instagram:   / dentalmaniak