Sclerotic Lesions of the Jaw: A Pictorial Review

Abstract

Sclerotic lesions of the jaw are uncommon but may be clinically relevant. In this pictorial review, the most common sclerotic lesions are discussed. Three categories of lesions are distinguished; odontogenic sclerotic lesions, non-odontogenic sclerotic lesions, and mixed lytic-sclerotic lesions. In each group, non-neoplastic conditions are discussed first, followed by benign and malignant neoplasms. For each disease a brief overview is given, including histological features, epidemiology, symptoms, typical location, imaging features, and treatment. This review emphasizes which basic observations are essential to the evaluation of sclerotic jaw lesions and what elements have to be taken into account to create a proper differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• jaw
• mandible
• maxilla
• sclerotic lesion
• radiopaque lesion