The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) was first described in 1876¹ and named by Phillipsen in 1956.²  It is one of the most aggressive odontogenic cysts of the oral cavity.  OKC is known for its rapid growth^3-5 and its tendency to invade the adjacent tissues including bone.^1,5-7  It has a high recurrence rate^5,8,9 and is associated with the basal cell nevus syndrome.^10,11  Harring et al. best characterized this cyst by stating that "After thirty years of study, questions related to the histogenesis, pathogenesis, histology, high recurrence rate, and neoplastic potential of the OKC are still being debated."¹²

Odontogenic keratocysts are generally thought to be derived from either the epithelial remnants of the tooth germ, or the basal cell layer of the surface epithelium.^13-21  The majority of patients are in the age ranges of 20-29 and 40-59,²² but cases ranging from 5 to 80 years have been reported.^12,23  In one study the average age of males was 9.7 years older than that of females.¹²  The distribution between sexes varies from equality to a male to female ratio of 1.6:1, except in children.^12,24-26  Odontogenic keratocysts may occur in any part of the upper and lower jaw with the majority occurring in the mandible, most commonly in the angle of the mandible and ramus.^{12,22,25,27,28}