Radiolucent lesions of jaw bones

Radiography remains one of the most important modes of investigation for the evaluation of jaw lesions, inspite of development of many modern imaging modalities. Patient age at manifestation, prevalence, location, cystic or solid appearance, border contour and effect of the lesion on adjacent structures are all considerations in making the diagnosis. Despite this information, however, many lesions are impossible to differentiate without biopsy. Although imaging will not always provide a speci¿c diagnosis, it should help narrow the differential diagnosis, thereby helping to guide patient treatment. Radiographically, it is not always possible to pinpoint a single diagnosis. However, by careful evaluation of the jaw lesion, the list of differentials can be further narrowed.