Periapical radiolucency mimicking an odontogenic cyst.
OBJECTIVE
To present a clinical case of a giant cell lesion located in an unusual site, initially misdiagnosed and treated as an odontogenic cyst.


CONCLUSIONS
Periapical radiolucencies often suggest the presence of odontogenic pathosis, usually inflammatory granulomas or cysts. The high frequency of such lesions tends to lead clinicians to arrive at a diagnosis without completing a comprehensive assessment of the patient or carrying out the full range of available diagnostic tests. A case report of a giant cell lesion, which was misdiagnosed and treated initially as an odontogenic lesion because of its unusual location, is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical signs and radiographic appearance are usually sufficient to reach a diagnosis of periapical pathosis. When traditional treatment does not lead to success, a biopsy should be considered to ascertain the diagnosis and allow the correct treatment to be provided. Histological examination of soft tissue removed during endodontic surgery is essential.
Nary Filho
H
H
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. hugonary@terra.com.br
Matsumoto
M A
MA
Fraga
S C
SC
Gonçales
E S
ES
Sérvulo
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D010484:Periapical Granuloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011842:Radicular Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011859:Radiography; D013357:Subgingival Curettage