[Roentgenologic differential diagnosis of jaw cysts]

Using routine X-ray pictures the different types of jaw cysts are presented and the characteristic findings of the individual cyst types are emphasised. An exact diagnosis can often be made using only the panorama tomograph, particularly if the topographic position of the cyst and any relationship to the dental system are taken into account. The differential diagnosis becomes difficult in cases where the peripheral compact lamella is missing or the bony border is not sharp, and in cases of honeycombed, multilocular, polycystic form. In such cases tumours, metastases and systemic diseases must be included in the differential diagnosis of various jaw cysts.