Keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT)-a cyst to a tumour

Purpose The World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified 'dontogenic keratocyst' (OKC) to 'eratocystic odontogenic tumour' (KCOT) in 2005. Currently, this tumour is classified as a benign neoplasm of odontogenic origin and not as a cyst. This article reviews and discusses history, classification scheme, aetiology and pathogenesis, molecular and genetic basis, incidence, epidemiology and site, clinical features, imaging, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, treatment options, prognosis, recurrence and malignant transformation of KCOT, with emphasis on understanding the basis of reclassification as 'eratocystic odontogenic tumour'. Methods A systematic search and review of the literature was carried out in the online database of the United States National Library of Medicine to identify eligible titles for the study. Results Current evidence suggests that the scientific community still continues to use the term 'dontogenic keratocyst' more favourably than 'eratocystic odontogenic tumour'. Conclusion The online database search indicates that the scientific community still continues to use the term 'dontogenic keratocyst' more favourably than 'eratocystic odontogenic tumour'. At this juncture, where the terminology has changed from a cyst to a tumour, a thorough review of literature on KCOT is presented.