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Review
. 2022 Dec;48(3):515-521.
doi: 10.1111/aej.12597. Epub 2021 Dec 23.

Malignant tumours mimicking periapical lesions: A report of three cases and literature review

Karine Evangelista  1 , Karla de Faria Vasconcelos  2 , Ana Beatriz Teodoro  3 , Marcelo Gusmão Paraíso Cavalcanti  3 , Elismauro Francisco de Mendonça  3 , Satiro Watanabe  4 , Maria Alves Garcia Silva  3
Affiliations
Review

Malignant tumours mimicking periapical lesions: A report of three cases and literature review

Karine Evangelista et al. Aust Endod J. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Apical periodontitis shows radiographic signs such as widening of the periodontal ligament and periapical radiolucency, which differ in extent depending on the stage of the lesion. However, other lesions can be associated with or coincidental to the apical region, representing developmental lesions and benign or malignant tumours. This article describes three cases of malignant tumours, a central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CMEC), a chondroblast osteosarcoma and an osteosarcoma of the jaw (OSJ) that presented as periapical lesions. Endodontists must be aware of unsuccessful treatment, persistent pain, signs of paraesthesia, a rapid growth rate and delayed response to therapy associated with atypical features. Complementary examinations, such as biopsy and computed tomography, can allow the early diagnosis of malignant tumours, leading to a better prognosis and thus increased survival rates and improvement in quality of life.

Keywords: carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma; differential diagnosis; endodontics; osteosarcoma.

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