Mandibular lesions develop from both odontogenic and nonodontogenic origins and have varying degrees of destructive potential. Common benign cystic lesions include periapical (radicular) cysts, follicular (dentigerous) cysts, and odontogenic keratocysts. Benign solid tumors represent a broad spectrum of lesions such as ameloblastomas, odontomas, ossifying fibromas, and periapical cemental dysplasia. Malignant tumors that often involve the mandible include squamous cell carcinomas, osteosarcomas, and metastatic tumors. In addition, vascular lesions such as hemangiomas and arteriovenous malformations may develop, further expanding the differential diagnosis. Because mandibular lesions have a wide range of pathologic features but similar imaging appearances, familiarity with embryologic characteristics and secondary findings is crucial. Patient age at manifestation, prevalence, location within the mandible, cystic or solid appearance, border contour, and effect of the lesion on adjacent structures are all considerations in making the diagnosis. Despite this information, however, many lesions are impossible to differentiate without biopsy. In such cases, defining the degree of malignant potential is very helpful. Although imaging will not always provide a specific diagnosis, it should help narrow the differential diagnosis, thereby helping to guide patient treatment.
Ameloblastic carcinoma is a very rare malignant odontogenic tumour with characteristic histopathological and clinical features, which requires aggressive surgical treatment and surveillance and, therefore, differs from ameloblastoma. Metastasis typically occurs in the lung. Only one patient with metastasis to the skull has previously been described and no prior case reports have presented MRI and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) imaging findings. We describe a case of ameloblastic carcinoma with metastasis to the skull and lung with emphasis on imaging features including MRI and PET-CT.
Grades I and II renal injuries heal completely, whereas higher grades of renal trauma result in permanent parenchymal scarring. Hence, incidentally discovered renal scars in patients with a history of minor renal trauma should be attributed tentatively to other causes that may or may not require additional investigation.
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