title: The imaging characteristics of odontogenic myxoma and a comparison of three different imaging modalities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the imaging characteristics of odontogenic myxoma (OM) and compare the different imaging modalities used.
  
  
  METHODS
  The radiological images of 33 OM cases were retrospectively analyzed. The radiographs were severally examined to describe the features of OM as seen on conventional radiographs (CRs), computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance images (MRIs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  MRI was effective in displaying the true extension and contents of OMs. CT scans demonstrated the extensions of OMs, expansion, growth pattern, and rendered it possible to compare density of OM with that of surrounding muscles. Assessment of CRs revealed great limitations about the diagnostic values and failed to display important features.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All 3 radiographic techniques, conventional radiography, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have inherent advantages and disadvantages; however, all 3 should be routinely used in the diagnosis of OM. The results of CT and MRI can accurately reveal margins of tumors and greatly aid in diagnosis.
authors: Postgraduate Student, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
authors: Eman
authors: E
authors: Kheir
authors: Lawrence
authors: L
authors: Stephen
authors: Christoffel
authors: C
authors: Nortje
authors: Leon Janse
authors: LJ
authors: van Rensburg
authors: Fadi
authors: F
authors: Titinchi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009232:Myxoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D009808:Odontogenic Tumors / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed