BENIGN TUMORS OF THE JAWS

B

enign tumors represent wide spectrum of conditions. Benign tumors result from abnormal proliferation of cells and tissues where they originated from. Some have limited growth potential like hamartomas and some are considered true neoplasm. That’s why proper treatment can be done only after final proper diagnosis and clinical interpretation.

Clinical Features

Benign tumors are usually small, slow growing, and expand by direction and not by metastasis. They do not possess threat to the life of the patient unless they interfere with the function of a vital organ. Benign tumors can cause expansion of jaws and they are detected during radiographic examination.

Radiographic Features

Benign tumors vary in their radiographic appearance depending on their nature, location, and stage of development. Odonotogenic tumors are associated with the alveolar process in the tooth bearing area and above the mandibular canal. Neural and vascular lesions may arise from neural or vascular tissues in the mandibular canal. Cartilaginous lesions are found in the temporomandibular joint in the condyle area. Since benign tumors grow slowly, their borders tend to be smooth, well-defined and sometimes corticated.

Benign tumors can be completely radiolucent, radiopaque or mixed depending on the lesion and its maturation stage. If the lesion has opacity inside this can be either remnant bony residue as in ameloblastoma or could be produced by the lesion like for example in osteoblastoma. As benign tumors grow in size they tend to displace adjacent structures such as teeth. They tend to expand and can cause thinning of cortical borders. Although root resorption can occur both in benign lesions and malignant lesions, it is more associated with a benign process like ameloblastoma, CGCG, and ossifying fibroma. Benign process root resorption is smooth in fashion while in malignant lesions it is sharp or “spiky” in appearance.