Radiographic study of osteoma: experiences from two dental schools

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Osteomas are benign, slow-growing bone-forming tumors.
• They are uncommon in the oral and maxillofacial region, potentially leading to diagnostic challenges for clinicians.
• Understanding their diverse presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiographic features of osteomas in the oral and maxillofacial region.
• To enhance the diagnostic accuracy of osteomas by providing a comprehensive overview of their characteristics.
• To contribute to the existing literature on rare osteoma presentations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of osteomas diagnosed between January 2012 and October 2023 at two dental schools.
• Evaluation of clinical presentation, radiographic features, and histopathologic variants.
• Inclusion criteria focused on osteomas within the oral and maxillofacial region.

Main Results:

• Thirteen osteomas were identified in 12 patients (8 female, 4 male).
• Central osteomas (n=4) and periosteal osteomas (n=9) showed distinct radiographic appearances: central osteomas as irregular radiopaque masses with blending borders, and periosteal osteomas as round/oval or irregular masses with well-defined borders.
• Rare presentations included osteomas in the maxilla with impacted teeth, glenoid fossa, and genial tubercle.

Conclusions:

• Osteomas in the oral and maxillofacial region are rare and can occur in unusual locations.
• Distinguishing central osteomas from other fibro-osseous lesions can be challenging, while periosteal osteomas are typically easier to diagnose.
• This study enhances understanding of osteoma diversity, aiding healthcare professionals in accurate diagnosis.