title: Radiolucencies with indistinct or ragged borders.
abstract: The diagnostic challenge will always be present when encountering an ill-defined radiolucency. Is it an artifact, normal anatomy, or one of these inflammatory, proliferative, or neoplastic disorders? If it cannot be explained as an artifact or anatomic variant, then consideration certainly should be given for a short-term follow-up radiograph or immediate biopsy. Understanding the clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features, as well as the treatment protocols for these various disorders should help the dentist make the proper diagnostic decisions and provide the appropriate patient management.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral Radiology, Oregon Health Sciences University, School of Dentistry, Portland.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Lundeen
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Barnett
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging