X-ray imaging of odontogenic tumors

Odontogenic tumors are predominantly benign tumors arising from cells of dental origin. Like odontogenic cysts, they have a frequent tendency to relapse. Exceptionally, they can malign. We monitor the dentist during the entire replacement period. If we find swelling, bowing teeth, gaps, we make OPG. Based on X-ray imaging, but also on clinical examination, we cannot establish an exact diagnosis, and therefore a histological examination is necessary. With early diagnosis, we can prevent the growth of tumors.

'During tooth development, we find the following types of cells:

1. epithelial cells – ameloblasts, dental ridge cells, epithelium of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity
2. ectomesenchymal cells – odontoblasts, cementoblasts
3. mesenchymal cells – fibrocytes, vascular endothelium, osteocytes, chondrocytes
4. neuroectodermal cells - neuroblasts, Schwann cells, melanocytes

See the Tooth Development page for more details.

Ameloblastoma

(Adamantine)

• the most common odontogenic tumor
• very often in the area of the lower molars
• upper jaw rarely
• 3rd, 4th decade

See Ameloblastoma for more information.

X-ray image

• mostly multilocular - bubble clearing with thin septa
• less often unilocular - often involve a tooth
• rarely a honeycomb-like structure with more pronounced septa
• may push away teeth, mandibular canal or maxillary cavity

Ameloblastic fibroma

• lower jaw molars
• no relapses
• 1st, 2nd decade
• possible malignant reversal - always histological examination

See Ameloblastic fibroma for more information.

X-ray image

• especially unilocular
• can push back teeth and mandibular canal
• can be confused with cyst or ameloblastoma

Ameloblastic fibroodontoma

• lower jaw molars
• contains enamel
• often together with a retained tooth
• pushes the channel
• childhood, especially boys
• rarely malignant

X-ray image

• indistinguishable from compound odontoma

Odontogenic myxoma

• fast growth
• frequent recurrences
• mainly lower jaw - angle, shoulder, molar area

X-ray image

• sharply defined irregular brightening
• soft shading

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor

• especially the molar, premolar area of the lower jaw

X-ray image

• at first a sharply defined clarification
• can be together with a retained tooth
• changes to oval shading over time
• presses the mandibular canal
• disrupts the compact

Odontoms

• benign tumor containing all components of the tooth
• we distinguish between compound and complex odontoma

See the Odontom page for more details.

Compound odontoma

• especially the frontal section of both jaws
• consists of several teeth of different sizes
• 2. decade
• manifests gaps and pruning disorder

X-ray image

• we can distinguish the developmental stage of the teeth
• developed teeth have an enamel cap

Complex odontoma

• irregular jumble of dental tissues
• angle of the lower jaw, tubercles

X-ray image

• irregular shading bordered by brightening

Cementom

• corresponds to cement in structure
• distal section of the lower jaw
• connected to the roots of the teeth
• 2nd, 3rd decade

See Cementom for more details.

X-ray image

• at first lightening in the area of the tooth root
• later shading with a brightening border

Links

References

• PASLER, Friedrich A.. Dental Radiology. 1. edition. Prague : Grada, 2007. ISBN 978-80-247-1307-6.