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World J Radiol. May 28, 2011; 3(5): 125-134
Published online May 28, 2011. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v3.i5.125
Published online May 28, 2011. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v3.i5.125
Imaging appearance of bone tumors of the maxillofacial region
Ahmed Abdel Khalek Abdel Razek, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura 3512, Egypt
Author contributions: Abdel Razek AAK contributed solely to the paper.
Correspondence to: Ahmed Abdel Khalek Abdel Razek, MD, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, 62 ElNokrasi Street Meet Hadr, Mansoura 3512, Egypt. arazek@mans.edu.eg
Telephone: +20-50-2326688 Fax: +20-50-2315105
Received: November 18, 2010
Revised: April 25, 2011
Accepted: May 2, 2011
Published online: May 28, 2011
Revised: April 25, 2011
Accepted: May 2, 2011
Published online: May 28, 2011
Abstract
This paper reviews the imaging appearance of benign and malignant bone tumors of the maxillofacial region. A benign bone tumor commonly appears as a well circumscribed lesion. The matrix of the tumor may be calcified or sclerotic. Malignancies often display aggressive characteristics such as cortical breakthrough, bone destruction, a permeative pattern and associated soft-tissue masses. Computed tomography scan is an excellent imaging modality for accurate localization of the lesion, characterization of the tumor matrix and detection of associated osseous changes such as bone remodeling, destruction or periosteal reaction. Magnetic resonance imaging is of limited value in the evaluation of maxillofacial bone tumors.