Asymptomatic nonulcerated swelling of the mandible

This case emphasizes that radiographic changes, although not diagnostic, can be characteristic and highly suggestive of a disease process especially a benign or malignant tumor. Radiographic changes that suggested the possibility of a malignant process in this case included ill-defined margins of the lesion; bone production within the lesion, especially interdentally at the alveolar crest; widening of the periodontal ligament space around tooth roots within the lesions; and perpendicular bony striae extending outward from the surface of the bone (sun-ray effect). THese changes are not specific for a malignant process: however, when coupled with the clinical history, the probability of malignancy is high. Failure of recognition is considered the greatest problem in malignancy of the oral cavity. Clinicians should consider every abnormal condition as suspicious unless there are valid reasons for ruling out cancer.