OKC Satellite Cysts — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyOKC Satellite CystsNDEB AFK

A biopsy of a jaw lesion shows epithelium with a corrugated parakeratinised surface, palisaded basal cells, and satellite (daughter) cysts in the connective tissue wall. What is the diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC)

The combination of: (1) thin, uniform, parakeratinised epithelium with corrugated surface; (2) palisaded, polarised columnar/cuboidal basal cells; and (3) satellite (daughter) cysts or epithelial islands in the connective tissue wall is diagnostic of the OKC. The satellite cysts are a major contributor to the high recurrence rate (25-60%) after simple enucleation, as they remain in the surrounding bone if not removed. This histological triad distinguishes OKC from all other odontogenic cysts.

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