Case study of an osteolitic lesion in the mandible of an individual from Danilo (Croatia)

Abstract

ObjectiveThis case study presents an osteolytic lesion on the entire mandibular body in an individual from Danilo (Croatia) (17th–18th centuries AD). Materials The individual is an estimated male, with the age of death assessed as 45–49 years. Methods Macroscopic, microscopic and radiographic methods were used to evaluate the osteolitic lesion. Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans were also collected. Results The lesion displays an irregular yet predominantly ovoid outline. Its internal structure is osteolytic with partially eroded internal septa. The radices of tooth 47 exhibit partial, mild resorption. Conclusions The findings indicate that we may be dealing with either an odontogenic keratocyst or ameloblastoma. Considering the age and sex of the individual, the specific location and the radiological characteristics, we suggest odontogenic keratocyst as the most likely diagnosis.