THE ODONTOGENIC KERATOCYST (OKC) And Its DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Numerous tumor types both benign and malignant or cysts originate in the jaw. Symptoms are swelling pain tenderness and unexplained tooth mobility; some tumors/cysts are discovered on routine dental x-rays whereas others are found on routine examinations of the oral cavity and teeth. Treatment depends on location and type. Benign tumors or cysts may be observed and may not need surgical excision although most tumors/cysts if extensive require resection with possible reconstruction. An odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a non-inflammatory odontogenic cyst that arises from the dental lamina. Unlike other cysts which are thought to grow solely by osmotic pressure the epithelium in an OKC appears to have innate growth potential much as in a benign tumor.