Imaging approach for differential diagnosis of jaw lesions: a quick reference guide

The radiologists will be frequently consulted to evaluate a variety of maxillomandibular lesions or may incidentally encounter these lesions on routine plain films, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) studies. This article provides the reader a diagnostic approach pattern when confronted with an unknown jaw lesion. The radiologic analysis for differential diagnosis primarily depends on specific cardinal and additional radiographic criteria on plain film studies. Cardinal radiographic criteria include the density of the lesion and the location with regard to the adjacent tooth structures within the jaw. Additional criteria in the evaluation of jaw lesions are demarcation, morphological characteristics, cortical involvement, periosteal and soft tissue changes.