The keratocystic odontogenic tumor

Area of Science:

• Oral Pathology
• Odontogenic Tumors
• Head and Neck Oncology

Background:

• The World Health Organization reclassified the odontogenic keratocyst as the keratocystic odontogenic tumor in 2005.
• Keratocystic odontogenic tumors present as unilocular or multilocular radiolucencies, predominantly in the posterior mandible.
• Histological examination of the tumor lining is the standard diagnostic method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical and histological characteristics of keratocystic odontogenic tumors.
• To evaluate the recurrence rates associated with different treatment modalities, particularly simple enucleation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on keratocystic odontogenic tumors.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, radiographic features, and histological findings.
• Compilation of recurrence data following surgical management.

Main Results:

• Keratocystic odontogenic tumors are characterized by specific radiographic and histological features.
• Simple enucleation, a common treatment, is associated with a significant recurrence rate ranging from 25% to 60%.
• The posterior mandible is the most common site for these lesions.

Conclusions:

• Keratocystic odontogenic tumors require careful histological diagnosis.
• The high recurrence rate following simple enucleation highlights the need for potentially more aggressive or comprehensive surgical approaches.
• Further research into optimal management strategies is warranted to reduce recurrence.