title: Neoplasia masquerading as periapical infection.
abstract: Seven examples of neoplasia which presented as periapical radiolucencies are described. These were all initially treated for presumed periapical infection. The atypical features that should alert dentists to the possibility of a tumour presenting in this manner are: a vital tooth with minimal caries, root resorption and an irregular radiolucent outline, tooth mobility in the absence of generalised periodontal disease, regional nerve anaesthesia, and failure to respond to good endodontic therapy. All material removed at the time of apical surgery must be examined histologically to prevent neoplasia being overlooked.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London.
authors.forename: I L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Hutchison
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hopper
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Coonar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004803:Eosinophilic Granuloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010017:Osteoma, Osteoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography