Oral pathology: calcifying odontogenic cyst: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral pathology: calcifying odontogenic cyst

Sample item

A jaw cyst shows ameloblast-like lining cells with ghost cells and calcifications. What is it?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Calcifying odontogenic cyst

The calcifying odontogenic (Gorlin) cyst is characterised by ghost epithelial cells that may calcify. It should not be confused with Gorlin syndrome, which features keratocysts.

Option by option

  • A. Odontogenic keratocyst

    Keratocysts have a corrugated parakeratinised lining.

  • B. Dentigerous cyst

    Dentigerous cysts have a thin non-keratinised lining.

  • C. Calcifying odontogenic cyst (correct)

    Correct. Ghost cells are the hallmark.

  • D. Radicular cyst

    Radicular cysts have a non-keratinised lining with inflammation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Calcifying odontogenic cyst. The calcifying odontogenic (Gorlin) cyst is characterised by ghost epithelial cells that may calcify.

Why is "Odontogenic keratocyst" not the answer?

Keratocysts have a corrugated parakeratinised lining.

Why is "Dentigerous cyst" not the answer?

Dentigerous cysts have a thin non-keratinised lining.

Why is "Radicular cyst" not the answer?

Radicular cysts have a non-keratinised lining with inflammation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: calcifying odontogenic cyst in Dentistry. It should not be confused with Gorlin syndrome, which features keratocysts.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral pathology: calcifying odontogenic cyst?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.