Pronunciation: [kˈɛɹɐtˌɒsɪst] (IPA) 
Keratocyst is a medical term used to describe a type of cyst that develops in the jaw bone. The word is spelled with a "k" instead of a "c" due to its Greek roots. The letter "kappa" (κ) in Greek is often used to represent the "k" sound, which is why it is used in the spelling of Keratocyst. The phonetic transcription for the word is /kɛ'ratoʊsɪst/, where the stressed syllable is "ra" and the final "t" is pronounced.
A keratocyst refers to a pathological cystic lesion that predominantly affects the jaws, commonly found in individuals of younger age. It is characterized by the presence of an epithelial lining made up of stratified squamous epithelium and is filled with a keratinaceous material.
This type of cyst is typically lined with a thin, uniform epithelial layer that reveals a strong propensity for aggressive behavior, including infiltration into surrounding tissues. The keratocyst exhibits a distinct tendency to grow rapidly and be locally invasive, leading to bone destruction, tooth displacement, and resorption. It often presents as a unilocular or multilocular radiolucency on radiographs, and its appearance may resemble that of other cysts or benign tumors.
The etiology of keratocysts is not completely understood, although they are believed to arise from the remnants of the dental lamina or primitive odontogenic epithelial cells. A significant association has been observed with a genetic condition called nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, indicating a possible genetic predisposition to developing keratocysts.
Treatment for keratocysts typically involves surgical intervention, which may include enucleation, marsupialization, or resection, depending on the extent and location of the lesion. A thorough histological examination is often recommended to ascertain the nature of the lesion and to rule out more aggressive forms of odontogenic tumors, such as ameloblastoma. Proper management and long-term follow-up are essential due to the high recurrence rate associated with keratocysts.
The word "keratocyst" is derived from the Greek words "kerato" (κερατό), meaning "horn-like" or "corneous", and "cyst" (κύστις), meaning "bladder" or "pouch". The term "kerato" refers to the presence of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein found in the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails. "Cyst" indicates a structure filled with fluid or semi-solid material. Thus, the word "keratocyst" refers to a cystic lesion that contains keratinized material.
