Demographic and clinicopathological analysis of odontogenic keratocyst: A retrospective study

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is among the commonest odontogenic cysts known for its local invasiveness and high recurrence rate following treatment. The study on OKC among the Malaysian population is limited in recent years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the latest demographic and clinicopathological profile of OKC cases in the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya (UM).

The demographic and clinicopathological data of 147 OKC cases were extracted from the archive of the institution from 2003 to 2022. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact Test were employed for the statistical analysis.

OKC affected younger age groups with peak incidence in the third decade of life followed by the second decade of life. An almost equal distribution among males and females was observed. Predominance of OKC was seen within the Chinese ethnicity. The mandible was the commonest site of occurrence. Recurrence was observed in 11.1% of the cases where most of them were treated by enucleation only. Majority of the cysts were predominantly lined by parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium (94.6%) with corrugated surface (89.8%). Presence of epithelial island (16.3%), satellite cyst (15.6%), dystrophic calcification (10%) and atypia (7.5%) were also observed. Significant association (p<0.05) were seen in syndromic OKC involving both jaws, multilocular radiolucency in mandible and presence of satellite cysts in OKC involving both jaws.

This study provides the latest demographic and clinicopathological profiles of OKC from this institution. This data could add value for current chairside assessment and treatment planning of OKC.