Multiple radiolucencies in the mandible: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment planning of maxillofacial pathologies is an art. It requires careful evaluation and correlation of clinical presentation and radiologic investigations. When the pathology concerned is an intraosseous lesion, the radiographic findings assume a significantly more important role. While carrying out the radiographic assessment, we rely on typical findings regarding the number, location, and appearance of radiolucent areas which point towards certain types of pathologies. Whenever these findings are atypical or at variance with the clinical presentation, it creates a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician. We report a case of a 34-year-old man who presented with a simple clinical history but multiple radiolucencies on the radiograph.

Keywords

• dentigerous cyst
• multiple radiolucencies
• odontogenic cyst
• radicular cyst