Comparison of computed tomographic findings for radiolucent lesions of the mandibular ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, dentigerous cyst, and simple bone cyst

Background/purpose: Radiolucent lesions of the mandible, including ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), dentigerous cyst (DC) and simple bone cyst (SBC), are frequently encountered in clinical practice. However, they vary in type and occasionally in appearance. Each lesion needs a different treatment and approach; therefore, accurate diagnosis is crucial before treatment. However, the radiographic findings, including computed tomography (CT), are often similar. This study aimed to compare the CT findings of 41 ameloblastomas, 74 OKCs, 87 DCs, and 13 SBCs in the mandible. Materials and methods: Patients were evaluated on initial CT images focusing on features such as long/short diameters, relationship with adjacent teeth, cortex appearance, locularity, scalloped margins, and sclerotic rims. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the most useful features for differential diagnosis. Criteria for differential diagnosis were finally established for three lesions, excluding SBC, which had a relatively small number of cases.