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Lateral Periodontal Cyst vs OKC Histology — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardOral PathologyLateral Periodontal Cyst vs OKC HistologyNDEB AFK

Which of the following is the key distinguishing feature between a lateral periodontal cyst and an odontogenic keratocyst on histological examination?

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Correct answer: D — The lateral periodontal cyst has a thin non-keratinised epithelial lining with focal thickenings (plaques); the OKC has a corrugated parakeratinised lining with palisaded basal cells

The lateral periodontal cyst is lined by a thin, non-keratinised squamous or cuboidal epithelium (often 1-3 cell layers) with characteristic focal plaque-like epithelial thickenings. The OKC has a distinctive thin, uniform, parakeratinised stratified squamous epithelium (6-8 layers) with a corrugated surface and palisaded, polarised columnar/cuboidal basal cells. These histological differences are critical for correct diagnosis, as the OKC has significant recurrence potential requiring more aggressive management.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016