Multiple radiolucent or mixed radiolucent/radiopaque lesions of the mandible may present as incidental findings on radiographs or as the chief symptom of a patient. This article is not intended to be an all-inclusive discussion of such lesions; instead, it confines itself to an overview of the major odontogenic cysts and tumors with a brief discussion of other mandibular lesions that are often called cysts but are not true cystic lesions.
Although often similar in radiographic presentation, malignant tumors (both primary and metastatic), benign salivary tumors, and vascular lesions are not addressed herein. However, such lesions should be included in the differential diagnoses of a patient presenting with mandibular radiolucency or swelling. As a corollary, before the biopsy of any such lesions, the area should be aspirated to exclude a vascular lesion.