odontogenic keratocyst
Odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), previously known as keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT or KOT), are benign cystic lesions involving the mandible or maxilla and are believed to arise from dental lamina. Whether these lesions are developmental or neoplastic is controversial, with 2017 WHO classification placing it back into the development lesion category. They are locally aggressive and tend to recur after excision.
On imaging, they typically appear as an expansile solitary unilocular lesion extending longitudinally in the posterior portions of the mandible. Although the majority are solitary, in 5-10% of cases multiple KOTs will be present: an associated condition such as basal cell nevus syndrome should be considered in these cases.
Epidemiology
Predominantly in younger patients (2-3 decades) and may be seen in either the body or ramus of the mandible (~70% of all keratocystic odontic tumors), or maxilla comprising 5-10% of all jaw cysts. There may be a male predilection.
Clinical presentation
Commonly discovered incidentally. When symptomatic, jaw swelling and pain are common symptoms associated with these tumors . Less commonly, trismus and paresthesia may occur.
Pathology
Gross specimen examination reveals a thin-walled, friable cyst containing fluid and debris. Viscosity of the contents ranges from straw-colored fluid to purulent and cheese-like masses.
They originate from epithelial cell rests (stratified squamous keratinizing epithelium) found along the dental lamina and periodontal margin of the alveolus of the mandible . Inflammation may impede histologic characterization.
Associations
- basal cell nevus syndrome (or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome)
- strong association
- consider the diagnosis if multiple KOTs are present
- Marfan syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
OPG
They are typically seen as a solitary, radiolucent, unilocular, expansile lesion with smooth, corticated borders . These cortices are often scalloped around the roots of teeth. Three-quarters of lesions are located in the posterior mandible. When in the mandible, they typically grow along the length of the bone with minimal buccolingual expansion. In the maxilla, they expand into the maxillary sinus. They average 3 cm in size.
The appearance and location can vary . If associated with the crown of an unerupted/impacted tooth, they can mimic a dentigerous cyst. If associated with the roots of a non-vital tooth, they can mimic a radicular cyst. If large enough, they will resorb the roots of adjacent teeth. They may occasionally appear septated, making the distinction from ameloblastoma difficult.
CT
Reminiscent of plain radiographic findings, but in better detail. Visualized as an expansile, cystic lesion with scalloped, well-corticated borders. Density of cystic contents varies with viscosity. Cortical breach suggests possible soft tissue involvement.
MRI
Keratocystic odontogenic tumors will typically demonstrate :
- T1: high signal due to cholesterol and keratin contents
- T2: heterogeneous signal
- DWI: restricts due to presence of keratin
- T1 C+: peripheral enhancement but unlike ameloblastomas no enhancing nodular component
Treatment and prognosis
They are locally aggressive. Treatment is often with marsupialisation/enucleation/excision +/- aggressive curettage. However, they can have a very high recurrence rate (30-60%), and follow-up is essential.
History and etymology
It was first described by H.P. Philipsen in 1956 as an odontogenic keratocyst.
Differential diagnosis
Imaging differential considerations include:
- dentigerous cyst if pericoronal to an impacted tooth
- radicular cyst if periapical to a non-vital tooth
- ameloblastoma if multilocular
- ameloblastic fibroma in younger individuals, if the lesion is pericoronal to an impacted tooth
See also
Siehe auch:
Assoziationen und Differentialdiagnosen zu Keratozystischer odontogener Tumor:
