9.  Radiographic interpretations

Q. 2. Describe the radiolucent and radiopaque anatomic landmarks seen on the IOPA radiographs of mandible.

Ans. Normal anatomical landmarks seen on the mandibularperiapical radiographs are classified as:

A. Radiolucent

B. Radiopaque

A.

Radiolucent Landmarks of Mandible

i. Mental foramen

ii. Mandibular foramen

iii. Mandibular canal

iv. Mental fossa

v. Pharyngeal space

vi. Submandibular fossa

vii. Nutrient canals

viii. Pulp

ix. Periodontal ligament space.

i. Mental foramen

It is present below the roots of first and second premolars. Usually it is corticated.

The shape of the foramen may vary from round to oblong and the size may vary from 1mm to 0.5 mm.

ii. Mandibular foramen

It is only visible in lateral jaw films. As a small rounded or funnel-shaped black shadow over the ramus of mandible.

iii. Mandibular canal

It commences from mandibular foramen in the ascending ramus and appears as a radiolucent area covered superiorly and inferiorly by radiopaque margin.

Position of canal varies, usually it lies below the roots of the molars and little distance below the bicuspids. Sometimes the apices of the molars may appear to be superimposed over the canals. Anatomically, the canal lies buccal to the molars and premolars.

iv. Mental fossa

The mental fossa is a depression found on the labial aspect of the mandible on the anterior region.

v. Pharyngeal space

This is seen as a radiolucent area, only in lateral jaw films, as a broad dark area extending vertically on ramus. It is caused by patients swallowing when the film is being exposed.

vi. Submandibular fossa

The submandibular fossa or the mandibular fossa or submaxillary fossa is a scooped-out, depressed area of bone located on the internal surface of the mandible inferior to the mylohyoid ridge.

On a mandibular periapical radiograph, the submandibular fossa appears as a radiolucent area in the molar region below the mylohyoid ridge.

vii. Nutrient canals or interdental canals

The nutrient canals are often seen in mandibular periapical radiographs as tube-like passage ways that carry neurovascular bundle in the jaw bones and supply the teeth and gingival tissues.

On a mandibular periapical radiograph, nutrient canals appear as vertical radiolucent lines. They are readily seen in areas of thin bone and they may be more prominent in the edentulous mandible.

Width of nutrient canal may vary from 100 micron to 1mm. Margins of the canal may reveal a thin white cortical plate, which may be slightly irregular.

viii. Pulp cavity

The pulp cavity consists of a pulp chamber and pulp canals. It contains blood vessels, nerves and lymphatics, and appears relatively radiolucent on a dental radiograph.

The pulp cavity is generally larger in children than in adults due to the formation of secondary dentine.

ix. Periodontal ligament space

The periodontal ligament space (PDL) is the space between the root of the tooth and the lamina dura. It contains connective tissue fibres, blood vessels, and lymphatics.

On a dental radiograph, the PDL space appears as a thin radiolucent line of uniform thickness around the root of a tooth.

B. Radiopaque landmarks of mandible

i. Genial tubercles

ii. Mental ridge

iii. Mylohyoid ridge

iv. External oblique ridge

v. Internal oblique ridge

vi. Inferior border of the mandible

vii. Enamel

viii. Dentine

ix. Cementum

x. Lamina dura

xi. Alveolar crest.

i. Genial tubercle

They are usually seen in occlusal films and are four in number, two on either side of the median line on internal surface of mandibular incisors.

They appear as a white ring with a dark centre immediately beneath and between lower central incisors.

ii. Mental ridge

A dark white ridge extending from symphysis to the bicuspid region. Sometimes superimposed by apices of lower anterior teeth.

iii. Mylohyoid ridge

This appears as a white line starting from lower border of symphysis and continuing upwards in the molar region towards ramus. Sometimes overlaps the molar apices.

iv. External oblique ridge

The external oblique ridge is a linear prominence of bone located on the external surface of the body of the mandible.

White line on the anterior portion of ascending ramus. Sometimes it over shadows the roots of the molars.

v. Internal oblique ridge

The internal oblique ridge is a linear prominence of bone located on the internal surface of the mandible that extends downward and forward from the ramus. It may end in the region of the mandibular third molar or it may continue as the mylohyoid ridge.

On a mandibular periapical radiograph, it appears as a radiopaque band that extends downward and forward from the ramus.

vi. Inferior border of mandible

It appears as a heavy white line on the radiograph. This is seen on IOPA whenever increased negative angulation is given in mandibular posterior radiography.

vii. Enamel

Enamel is the densest structure found in the human body. It is the outer most radiopaque layer of the crown of a tooth.

viii. Dentine

Dentine is found beneath the enamel layer of a tooth surrounding the pulp cavity. It appears radiopaque and makes up most of the tooth structure, but is not as radiopaque as enamel.

ix. Cementum

Cementum is found beneath the dentine layer of a root surrounding the pulp cavity. It appears radiopaque and makes up most of the root structure, but is not as radiopaque as dentine.

x. Lamina dura

The lamina dura is the wall of the tooth socket that surrounds the root of a tooth and is made up of dense cortical bone.

On a dental radiograph, the lamina dura appears as a dense radiopaque line that surrounds the root of a tooth.

xi. Alveolar crest

It is the most coronal portion of the alveolar bone found between the teeth. The alveolar crest is made up of dense cortical bone and is continuous with the lamina dura.

On a dental radiograph, the alveolar crest appears radiopaque and is typically located 1.5 to 2.0 mm below the junction of the crown and the root surfaces (CEJ).


Q. 3. Radiographic features of fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws.

Ans.

The fibro-osseous lesions are a diverse group of conditions. A common feature of all these lesions is that, there is replacement of the normal bone by a tissue composed of collagen fibres and fibroblasts that contain varying amounts of mineralized substances that may be either osseous in nature, cementum-like, or combination.

The radiographic appearance of these lesions is also variable, either as diffuse, ground-glass appearance or well-defined cystic areas that may be radiolucent or containing varying amounts of calcified material.

There is no acceptable classification for these lesions.

A simple way of classifying the fibro-osseous lesions is to broadly divide these lesions into two groups based on their site of origin.

A. The fibro-osseous lesions of periodontal ligament origin are:

Cementifying fibroma

Ossifying fibroma

Cemento-ossifying fibroma

Fibroma.

B. The fibro-osseous lesions originating from the medullary bone are:

Fibrous dysplasia

Fibro-osteoma

Giant cell tumour

Aneurysmal bone cyst

Jaw lesions associated with hyperparathyroidism

Cherubism

Paget disease.

Radiographic features of various fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws are as follows:

Fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous lesion.

Two types of fibrous dysplasia have been recognized, the monostotic or the solitary form and the polyostotic form.

Fibrous dysplasia predominantly involves the maxilla than the mandible and is unilateral. The tumour usually manifests between 10 and 30 years of age. Often the posterior region of the jaw is involved.

The radiographic appearance varies with the degree of maturation and the stage of the lesion.

In lesions with more fibrous tissue, it may be radiolucency either unilocular or multilocular.

Lesions with osseous tissue have a mottled appearance. Lesions with excessive osseous tissue appear radiopaque.

The typical radiographic appearance is termed as ‘ground-glass’ or ‘orange-peel’ appearance. Usually the lesion is well-circumscribed.

Ossifying fibroma

Ossifying fibroma, a rare neoplasm, is also called as fibro-osteoma.

It is an encapsulated lesion within which the highly cellular fibrous tissue undergoes calcification.

It usually affects young adults. Females have a slightly greater predilection. The lesion is slow-grow i ng and causes displacement of the teeth. Usually it involves the mandible.

Radiographic findings depend on the stage of development of the lesion. It may either appear radiolucent or multiple radiopaque foci may be seen within the radiolucency.

Eventually these foci coalesce together. Borders of the lesion are well-defined, often showing radiolucent ring suggestive of fibrous capsule. There may be displacement of the teeth.

Periapical cemental dysplasia

Periapical cemental dysplasia was earlier called as cementoma.

It is also variously named as fibro-cementoma, sclerosing cementoma, periapical osteofibrosis, or periapical fibro-osteosis.

It is considered as a reactive fibro-osseous lesion.

The lesion usually occurs in the middle age and females are affected more than the males.

The lesion usually occurs in the periapical region of the mandibular anterior teeth and the lesions may be multiple.

The affected teeth are vital and it is an asymptom aticlesion and most often is detected during a routine radiographic examination.

Radiographic appearance of the lesion depends on the stage of development of the lesion. Accordingly, it may be radiolucent (fibrous), mixed radiolucent-radiopaque (fibrous and calcified elements), or radiopaque (calcified stage). The margins of the lesion may be well-defined or ill-defined.

Usually no treatment is required for periapical cemental dysplasia.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia

Florid osseous dysplasia is also called as gigantiform cementoma, chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis, sclerosing osteitis, multiple enostosis, and sclerotic cemental mass.

This lesion has a female predilection, usually occurring in the middle age. Both the jaws are usually involved simultaneously. Sometimes it occurs only in the mandible.

Often the lesion does not cause any symptoms. Occasionally pain or swelling may be noted.

Radiographically the lesion appears radiolucent with dense radiopaque masses within. It has a similarity to ‘cotton-wool’ appearance of Paget disease. Individual lesions often exhibit a cortical outline.

Cementoblastoma

Cementoblastoma is a rare neoplasm originating in the periodontal ligament.

Males have a greater predilection and usually occurs before 25 years of age.

Most common in the mandible and it appears as a solitary lesion. The invol v ed tooth is vital.

Radiographically it appears as a well-defined radiopacity at the apex of a premolar or molar. Usually the calcified mass shows radiolucent halo.

Cherubism

Cherubism is characterized by bilateral benign, firm, painless swellings in the mandible, usually in the angle region.

The lesion usually develops in the infancy and continues to grow causing greatest expansion in the first and second years after the onset. As the age advances the deformity becomes less obvious. The lesion has a familial tendency.

The lesion has derived the name as the affected children have characteristic chubby, cherubic facial appearance.

Typically, the affected individuals have ‘eyes raised to the heaven’ appearance, if the lesion involves the maxilla. The characteristic radiographic appearance is multiple cyst-like radiolucencies in the mandible. The lesions have multilocular appearance and the borders are well-defined.

Cortical plate expansion is seen in the occlusal or PA views. Maxillary lesions project into the maxillary sinus.The developing tooth buds are usually displaced. There is usually premature exfoliation of the deciduous teeth.

As the lesion is self-limiting, no treatment is required.

Paget disease (Osteitis deformans)

Paget disease was described as a clinical entity by Sir James Paget in 1877 and is characterized by abnormal bone destruction followed by bone formation involving several bones.

Though this disease mainly affects the skull, the femur, the sacrum, and the pelvis, jaw involvement is rarely seen bilaterally.

The disease usually occurs above 50 years of age. Males are affected more than the females.

Symptoms of the lesion are bone pain, increased temperature, curvature of the spine, enlargement of the skull and facial bones and bone deformity. In dentulous patients there can be drifting of the teeth and malocclusion. Edentulous patients often complain of ill-fitting dentures.

Serum alkaline phosphatase level is increased in these patients.

Radiographic appearance of this lesion depends on the stage of formation. Accordingly, it may be radiolucency of granular or ‘ground-glass’ appearance or dense radiopaque or the so-called ‘cotton-wool’ appearance. In the skull, the early lesions are lytic and appear as multiple radiolucencies called osteoporosis circumscripta.

The management of this lesion is done with calcitonin or sodium etidronate therapy. Surgery is indicated for cosmetic purposes.


Q. 4. Discuss the differential diagnosis of periapical radiolucencies.

Or

Describe in detail periapical radiolucent areas.

Ans.

A periapical lesion is a lesion that is located around the apex of a tooth.

Periapical lesions cannot be evaluated on a clinical basis alone. On dental radiographs, periapical lesions may appear either radiolucent or radiopaque.

Various periapical radiolucencies

Periapical granulomas, cysts, and abscesses are common periapical radiolucencies that can be seen on dental radiographs.

Because it is impossible to distinguish between these three periapical lesions based on their radiographic appearance, hence they should be referred to simply as ‘periapical radiolucencies.’

Periapical granuloma

A periapical granuloma is a localized mass of chronically inflamed granulation tissue at the apex of a nonvital tooth.

The periapical granuloma results from pulpal death and necrosis and is the most common sequelae of pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp).

A periapical granuloma may give rise to a periapical cyst or periapical abscess.

A tooth with a periapical granuloma is typically asymptomatic but has a previous history of prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold.

On a dental radiograph, a periapical g ranuloma is initially seen as a widened periodontal ligament space at the root apex.

With time, the widened periodontal ligament space enlarges and appears as a round or ovoid radiolucency.

The lamina dura is not visible between the root apex and the apical lesion.

Treatment for a periapical granuloma may include endodontic therapy or remo v al of the tooth with curetta g e of the apical region.

Periapical cyst

A periapical cyst also known as a radicular cyst is a lesion that develops over a prolonged period.

Cystic degeneration takes place within a periapical granuloma and results in a periapical cyst. The periapical cyst results from pulpal death and necrosis.

Periapical cysts are the most common of all tooth-related cysts and comprise 50-70% of all cysts in the oral region.

Periapical cysts are typically asymptomatic. On a dental radiograph, the typical periapical cyst appears as a round or ovoid radiolucency.

Treatment may include endodontic therapy or extraction of the tooth as well as curettage of the apical region.

Periapical abscess

The periapical abscess is a localized collection of pus in the periapical region of a tooth that results from pulpal death.

Periapical abscesses may be acute or chronic. An acute periapical abscess has features of an acute pus-producing process and inflammation. The periapical abscess refers to a tooth with an infection in the pulp.

An acute abscess may result from an acute inflammation of the pulp or an area of chronic infection, such as a periapical granuloma.

A chronic periapical abscess has features of a long-standing, low-grade, pus-producing process.

A chronic abscess may develop from an acute abscess or a periapical granuloma.

An acute periapical abscess is painful; the pain may be intense, throbbing, and constant. The tooth is nonvital and is sensitive to pressure, percussion, and heat.

Chronic periapical abscesses are usually asymptomatic because the pus drains through bone or the periodontal ligament space.

With an acute periapical abscess, no radiographic change may be evident.

Early radiographic changes include an increased widening of the periodontal ligament space.

A chronic periapical abscess appears as a round or ovoid apical radiolucency with poorly defined margins.

The lamina dura cannot be seen between the root apex and the radiolucent lesion.

Treatment of the periapical abscess includes drainage and endodontic therapy or extraction.


Q. 5. Describe various radiopaque lesions at the root of mandibular premolar.

Ans.

Commonly occurring radiopaque lesions

A. Abnormalities of Teeth

Unerupted and misplaced teeth including supernumeraries

Odontomes: compound and complex

Root remnants: hypercementosis

B. Conditions of Variable Radiopacity Affecting the Bone

Developmental exostoses including tori mandibular or palatal

Inflammatory low-grade infections, sclerosing osteitis, and osteomyelitis

Tumours:

a. Odontogenic (late stages)

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour (CEOT)

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour

Calcifying odontogenic cyst

b. Non-odontogenic

Benign: e.g. osteoma, chondroma, etc.

Malignant: e.g. osteosarcoma, osteogenic secondary metastases, etc.

c. Fibro-osseous lesions (late stages)

Fibrous dysplasia

Ossifying fibroma

Cementifying fibroma

True cementoma (cementoblastoma)

Periapical cemental dysplasia

d. Others

Paget disease

Osteopetrosis

C. Superimposed Soft Tissue Calcifications

Salivary calculi

Calcified lymph nodes

Calcified tonsils

Phleboliths

Calcified acne scars

D. Foreign Bodies

Intrabony, within the soft tissues on or overlying the skin

Periapical radiopacities

Condensing osteitis, sclerotic bone, and hypercementosis are a few of the common periapical radiopacities that can be seen on dental radiographs.

Condensing osteitis

Condensing osteitis is also known as chronic focal sclerosing osteomyelitis and is a well-defined radiopacity that is seen below the apex of a nonvital tooth with a history of long-standing pulpitis.

It is the most common periapical radiopacity observed in adults.

The opacity represents a proliferation of periapical bone that is a result of a low-grade inflammation or mild irritation.

The inflammation that stimulates condensing osteitis occurs in response to pulpal necrosis.

The tooth most frequently involved is the mandibular first molar.

It may vary in size and shape and does not appear to be attached to the tooth root.

Teeth associated with condensing osteitis are non-vital and typically have a large carious lesion or large restoration.

No treatment is necessary, because condensing osteitis is believed to represent a physiologic reaction of bone to inflammation.

Sclerotic bone

Sclerotic bone also known as osteosclerosis or idiopathic periapical osteosclerosis is a well-defined radiopacity that is seen below the apices of vital, noncarious teeth.

The cause of sclerotic bone is unknown; however, it is not believed to be associated with inflammation.

The lesion is not attached to a tooth and varies in size and shape.

The margins may appear smooth or irregular and diffuse. The borders are continuous with adjacent normal bone, and no radiolucent outline is seen.

Sclerotic bone is asymptomatic and is usually discovered during routine radiographic examination.

Hypercementosis

Hypercementosis is the excess deposition of cementum on root surfaces. Hypercementosis results from supraeruption, inflammation, or trauma; sometimes there is no obvious cause.

On dental radiographs, hypercementosis is visible as an excess amount of cementum along all or part of a root surface.

The apical area is most often affected and appears enlarged and bulbous.

Root areas affected by hypercementosis are separated from periapical bone by a normal-appearing periodontal ligament space, the surrounding lamina dura appears normal as well.

No signs or symptoms are associated with hypercementosis; most cases are discovered during routine radiographic examination.

Teeth affected by hypercementosis are vital and do not require treatment.


Q. 6. Describe the radiographic appearance of different types of osteomyelitis of jaws.

Ans.

Pathology Radiographic Appearance

Osteomyelitis

i. Acute

ii. Acute subperiosteal (occlusal view)

Fuzzy or blurred appearance of the trabeculae, with small areas

Erosion of cortex, moth-eaten appearance. Evidence of new subperiosteal bone formation usually beyond the area of necrosis, particularly along the lower border of the mandible

iii. Chronic suppurativeosteomyelitis (OPG/lateral oblique view)

Moth-eaten appearance, sequestra is seen

Sclerosis of surrounding bone

Involucrum formation

iv. Diffuse sclerosing Osteomyelitis (OPG/lateral oblique view)

Ill-defined osteolytic lesions with osteosclerotic zones, which progressively become more osteosclerotic

v. Chronic subperiosteal (OPG/lateral oblique view)

Shortening of the roots, moth-eaten appearance, and cortical sequestration Onion-skin appearance

vi. Garre’s osteomyelitis (occlusal radiograph)

Ragged, patchy ‘moth-eaten’ appearance

Image


Q. 7. Name the malignant tumours of the jaws. Describe the radiographic appearance of carcinomas and sarcomas of the jaws.

Or

Describe briefly the characteristics of the malignant tumours of the jaws. Describe the radiographic appearance of the same.

Ans.

Characteristics of malignant lesion

As a result of change in the nature of the lesion, the lesion grows and disrupts the normal anatomy there by causing obvious changes in the anatomic and radiographic picture of the tissue and the surrounding structures.

The nature of the lesion, rate of its growth, and surrounding tissues are the factors, which ultimately elicit a radiographic picture specific to some extent to a particular lesion.

The various features to be analysed and the reasons for those features being so specific have been discussed below in comparison to benign lesions.

a) Border of the Lesion

Benign lesions characteristically have well-defined borders, which is because of their inherent nature of being nonaggressive and slow growth.

They grow gradually and hence have a rounded or oval extent.

On the other hand, malignant lesions are aggressively expanding outwards and cause virtual erosion of the surrounding tissues. As a result of this the borders are irregular, ragged, and ill-defined. They have a mosaic form and blend with the normal tissue; for this reason radiographic extent of the lesion is difficult to define.

Acute infection causes bony destruction, hence, results in sclerosing osteitis and a conforming radiographic picture of well-defined radiopaque margin.

It is not only the radiograph or the clinical picture alone, which always is diagnostic of a pathology, but both act as adjuncts to each other.

b) Adjacent Cortical Bone

The benign lesions are slow growing and hence result in displacement of the surrounding structures like the cortical bone.

With the elevation of the periosteum there is a stimulated formation of layers of reactive bone termed as onion-skin appearance as it appears like peels of onion on a radiograph.

The growth pattern of malignant lesion is by destruction and invasion of the adjacent structures. Hence, the expansion of the lesion causes destruction of the cortex and drags the bony material along its path of expansion. It forms a trail of bone, hence, giving a typical picture of sunburst appearance.

c) Radiodensity

Depending upon the tissue involved, the radiodensity of the lesion is variable, e.g., an osteoma is a radiopaque lesion while a central haemangioma is radiolucent, both are benign.

Malignant lesions such as carcinomas are radiolucent except in case of metastatic lesion, e.g., carcinoma of the prostrate gland.

There is simultaneous resorption and deposition of bone in case of sarcomas, a feature diagnostic of sarcomas.

d) Dental Involvement

Teeth are more calcified than the bone.

When the lesion is expanding the response of the teeth is recorded in the following two ways:

1. Displacement

Usually the benign lesions are slow growing and they put slight persistent pressure on the teeth resulting in gradual displacement of the teeth.

In malignant lesion, the rate of expansion of the lesion is reasonably high for the teeth to respond to the pressure.

The roots are well within the border of the lesion, therefore, in malignant lesions there is a typical picture of floating teeth, more so, the teeth lie in their actual position.

2. Resorption of roots

As far as resorption of roots is concerned, benign lesions cause resorption.

In a malignant lesion, the contact period is relatively less, hence resorption is not a specific feature of a malignant lesion as in benign lesion.

e) Radiographic Features

Since radiograph is a two-dimensional image of the tissues, hence, superimposition of various structures occur thereby making it difficult for the observer to analyse the extent of the features of the lesion. Radiographic exposure at two angulations can solve this problem to some extent.

CT scan or computerized tomography is good answer to this problem.

With CT scan, the invasion of the lesion into the soft tissue can also be analyzed.

Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinoma

It is a tumour of epithelial origin arising mostly in the oral mucosa.

It is the most common type of oral cancer spreading by invasion of the soft tissues, neurovascular tissue, and through the bone.

Subsequent advancement brings them in contact with bone resulting in bony involvement.

Aetiology

There is no specific aetiology but many factors have been accounted for:

Spirit and alcohol

Spices

Smoking

Sharp margins.

Clinical features

Occurs predominantly in men over 50 years of age.

The most predominant site is that of posterolateral border of the tongue and lower lip, less frequently floor of mouth, alveolar mucosa, palate and buccal mucosa.

Size and bony involvement: Osseous involvement is most frequently in third molar region of mandible where it is closest to the bone. Small lesions, which are less than 1.0 cm in diameter are generally asymptomatic. It is only when the lesion enlarges that there is pain, anaesthesia or swelling. With the gradual increase in size of the lesion, if lying close to the tooth there occur loosening of the tooth with some root resorption or at times leading to exfoliation.

Further increase in size may lead to metastasis through the lymphatic channels to submental and submandibular lymph nodes.

Radiographic features

It appears as a destructive lesion. There is gradual erosion of the bone resulting in ill-defined margins all along the tumour or at some specific points.

In the mandible, gradual growth of the lesion may lead to complete erosion of the bone resulting in a pathological fracture.

Usually a combination of postero-anterior view, occlusal view, and lateral oblique view are helpful in understanding the extent of the lesion and in the demonstration of such fractures.

Usually the lesion has an irregular border but at times the border of the tumour is lined by a radiopaque margin as in condensing osteitis.

Also, sometimes specks of radiopaque materials signifying pieces of left over bone by the rapidly advancing tumour (especially in central squamous cell carcinoma).

Management

The management is by radiotherapy, surgery or both.

Metastatic carcinoma

It is the most common malignant tumour of the skeleton resulting from metastasis of primary carcinoma from a distant site to the bone.

The metastatic carcinoma of the jaws is relatively rare, only 1 to 8% of all malignant tumours of the oral region.

Clinical features

Mandible is more susceptible for metastatic carcinoma than the maxilla.

The most common site is premolar and molar region.

Age varies from 40 to 60 years. Metastasis may occur from breasts, lungs, kidneys, prostrate glands, colon, testis, and stomach.

Oral findings are usually the first indication of the disease.

The lesion is asymptomatic.

Only when the mandibular nerve is involved by the lesion, there is pain, paraesthesia or anaesthesia.

The teeth may become loose or get exfoliated with occasional evidence of root resorption.

Prognosis for the patient with metastasis is poor.

Radiographic features

The features for metastatic carcinoma are similar to those of primary carcinoma having a radiolucent picture with ill-defined margins.

The lesions may be single or multiple or of variable size.

Sarcomas

Osteosarcoma

It is the most common malignant tumour of the bone, which arises from the undifferentiated bone-forming mesenchymal tissue.

Depending upon the nature of the lesion sarcoma can be of three types:

a. Sclerosing: This type forms neoplastic osteoid and bone.

b. Osteolytic:

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Apr 11, 2016 | Posted by in Orthodontics | Comments Off on 9.  Radiographic interpretations

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