Osteosarcoma of the mandible mimicking an odontogenic abscess: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Inflammatory lesions, like periapical/odontogenic abscesses, are by far the most common pathologic condition of the jaws. Radiographically, these lesions commonly manifest as widening of periodontal ligament space, discontinuity of lamina dura and ill-defined periapical radiolucency. There are some rare disorders which could cause similar radiographic changes in the jaw bone. With careful scrutiny of periapical radiolucency, regular periodic follow-up radiographs and histo-pathologic examination, the periapical abscess or infection can be differentiated from rare fatal disorders.

Clinical relevance: This paper highlights the need for vigilant examination of even the commonest, innocuous-appearing periapical changes which sometimes are produced by some rare fatal disorders.