The radiolucency shown by the following radiograph is due to:: (A) Nasopalatine cyst, (B) Solitary bone cyst, (C) Ameloblastoma, (D) Nasolabial cyst
Answer is A. Radiological signs
The nasopalatine cyst is located in the midline of the anterior palate and appears as a well-defined, round or ovoid radiolucency with a corticated margin (unless infected). The lesion may present rarely as a bi-lobular or heart-shaped radiolucency due to the simultaneous development of bilateral cysts. The presence of an intact lamina dura surrounding the maxillary central incisors is useful in distinguishing it from a radicular cyst, but as the lesion enlarges, lamina dura can be eroded. The distinction between a small cyst and a normal incisive foramen is usually made on size. The incisive foramen is typically about 6 mm in width but maybe as much as 10 mm anteroposteriorly. In addition, a normal incisive fossa is sharply delineated only at its lateral margin, whereas all margins of a nasopalatine cyst are well defined.
Key Concept