Diagnostic Imaging of Malignant Tumors in the Orofacial Region

Though rare, malignancies of the orofacial region often have serious consequences. Malignancies of the orofacial region are typically discovered during a clinical examination or from a patient complaint. Initial discovery from a radiograph is rare. Three-dimensional imaging using advanced imaging techniques often provides adequate information about the aggressive nature of a lesion. Radiographically based imaging demonstrates mainly hard-tissue destruction and, rarely, bone deposition. MRI provides excellent visualization of soft-tissue densities without using ionizing radiation. Functional imaging is used to visualize increased metabolic activity associated with malignancies, and is excellent for determining the metastatic spread of a lesion.