Multiple Stafne bone cavities: a diagnostic dilemma

Salivary gland inclusions in the mandible are relatively uncommon. If defects occur they are generally unilateral, although bilateral cases have been reported. This article describes an unusual case in which the dental panoramic tomogram revealed three radiolucent areas in the mandible. The diagnosis of the two posterior radiolucencies was confirmed as Stafne's bone cavities but a definite diagnosis for the parasymphyseal lesion remained elusive, even after surgery. However, Stafne's bone cavities are known to occur in this region and this diagnosis remains the most probable.