Radiological features of central haemangioma of the jaws

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical features of central haemangioma of the jaws. METHODS: A total of 86 cases (84 from the English-language literature and two new cases) were studied and critically evaluated with emphasis on the radiological features. RESULTS: Age at time of initial diagnosis ranged from 0 to 74 years (mean 23 years, median 17 years). There was approximately equal distribution between females and males. The ratio between the mandible and maxilla was 3.3:1. Of the lesions, 69% were located in the posterior region of the jaws. Lesions were radiolucent in 96% of cases. Of the lesions, 66% were multilocular, 33% unilocular, and 1% not loculated. Borders were described in 41 cases, as well defined in 32% and diffuse in 68%. Tooth resorption was described in 23% of the lesions and tooth displacement in 16%, both more common in the mandible. The inferior alveolar nerve canal was involved in 15% of the mandibular lesions and the sinus in 35% of the maxillary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Central haemangioma has a marked variability in its radiological appearance and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of many unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesions of the jaws, especially in the mandible. Some radiographic patterns, such as the spoke-like and sunray appearance frequently described in the literature, are actually extremely rare.     

Radiologic aspects of myxoma of the jaws

Four cases of jaw bones myxoma are described, laying special stress on the radiological appearance. Conventional radiogram showed a typical multilocular osteolytic lesion thinning and expanding the cortical bone. This allowed the authors to correctly diagnose the affection. On the contrary CT, showing a unilocular lesion, offered a far less typical representation of the tumor in the two patients who underwent this examination.     

Radiological and clinical features of aneurysmal bone cyst of the jaws

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological features of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 64 cases (60 from the English-language literature and four new cases) were studied and critically evaluated with emphasis on the radiological features. RESULTS: Age at time of initial diagnosis ranged from 4-78 years, with a mean age of 21.5 years and median age of 17 years. There were no differences in gender distribution. The ratio between the mandible and maxilla was 2.4:1. Ninety-two per cent of the lesions were located in the posterior region of the jaws. Lesions were radiolucent in 87% of cases, radiopaque in 2% and mixed in 11%. Fifty-three per cent were multilocular, 43% unilocular and 3% not loculated. The border of the lesions was defined but not corticated in 39%, well defined in 33% and diffuse in 28%. CONCLUSIONS: ABC has a variable radiological appearance and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesion of the jaws as well as any mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesion.     

Radiological findings in an unusual osteosarcoma in the maxilla

An unusual case of osteosarcoma of the maxilla, which was initially diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia on the basis of the clinical CT and histopathological findings, is presented. However, panoramic and periapical radiography suggested a malignant neoplasm. After surgery, the tumor was diagnosed histopathologically as a low-grade osteosarcoma. We conclude that panoramic and periapical radiographs are important adjuncts and should be included in any investigation of the jaws where CT scanning is unable to differentiate between osteosarcoma and fibrous dysplasia.