BONY SWELLINGS OF MAXILLA

Abstract

Swellings of maxilla comprise a problematic group, difficult m differential diagnosis.They include a variety of lesions including: * Fibro-osseous lesions: They are a challenging group of pathologic conditions that are difficult to classify and treat. A common demonstrator to all is the replacement of the bone with a benign fibrous tissue containing various amounts of mineralized (calcified) structures. (Araghi, Haery, 1993). Fibrous dysplasia is somewhat more common than other fibro-osseous lesions. Radiographic features of fibrous dysplasia vary depending on the stage of development and amount of bony matrix within the lesion. In general, changes in the involved bones, range from lucent zones to large diffuse areas of sclerosis. * Fibro-osseous neoplasms: (Cementifying fibroma, ossifying fibroma, or cemento-ossifying fibroma). They are demarcated and occasionally encapsulated lesion consisting of fibrous tissue containing variable amounts of mineralized material resembling bone and/or cementum. (Kromer et al., 1992). The tumor is a well-defined unilocular lesion. * Cysts of maxilla: Cysts occuring in the maxilla are simple bone cyst and aneurysmal bone cyst, simple bone cyst is radiotranslucent, while "soap bubble" appearance is classic for aneurysmal bone cyst. * Bone tumours of maxilla eg.: Osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma and giant cell lesions. Osteoid osteoma presents as an eccenteric radiolucency