Multilocular radiolucency

Question 0

What are some lesions that can cause jaw expansion?

Answer 0

Commenest would be odontogenic cysts (radicular, dentigerous and odontogenic keratocysts)
Odontogenic tummours (e.g. ameloblastoma)
Giant cell granuloma

Question 1

What clinical features may indicate a malignancy?

Answer 1

perforation of the cortex
soft tissue mass
ulceration of the mucosa
nummbness of lip
devitalisation of teeth

Question 2

What are the characteristics of an ameloblastoma?

Answer 2

Classicaly presents an expanding multilocular radiolucency at the angle of the mandible.
Can result in root resorption, tooth displacement and marked expansion.
Consists of large cystic spaces seperated by bony septa

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a giant cell grabuloma?

Answer 3

Central giant cell granuloma produces expansion and a multiloculated honeycomb radiolucency but doesnt result in rooot resorption. The lesion would be less radiolucent as it consist of solid tissue rather than cystic neoplasm.

Question 4

When assessing a lesion on a radiograph, what aspects should be analysed?

Answer 4

Site
Size
Shape
Outline/edge
Relative radiodensity
Effect on adjacent structures