Cone beam computed tomography diagnostic imaging of intra-osseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the mandible

Abstract

Intra-osseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the mandible is a rarely reported entity, comprising only 2-3% of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Unilocular and/or multilocular radiolucency is characteristic of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, but has a radiographic appearance similar to that of odontogenic benign and malignant tumors and thus cannot be accurately diagnosed on plain films. This article describes a case of a 36-year-old man with intra-osseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the left mandible. For a detailed analysis, both panoramic radiograph and cone beam computed tomograph were taken. Important clinico-pathological and imaging features, differential diagnosis and review of the literature are described.