Non-odontogenic Intraosseous Radiolucent Lesions of the Mandibular Body Are Rare Findings on Panoramic Views of Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether non-odontogenic intraosseous translucent lesions of mandibular body are depicted on radiographs of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The panoramic radiographs of 179 NF1 patients were analysed for translucent lesions of the mandibular body that were of intraosseous, non-odontogenic origin. The results were compared to findings obtained in panoramic radiographs of age- and sex-matched controls.

RESULTS: Only three patients showed intraosseous translucent lesions. These were always unilocular findings. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p=0.248).

CONCLUSION: Intraosseous neurofibroma of the jaw is a very rare finding in NF1 patients compared to oral neurofibromas. Accurate and exact diagnosis should be made in the case of such findings because malignant tumours in the jaw area can arise in rare cases in NF1 patients. Plain radiology findings cannot clearly indicate the type and biology of the lesion.