USG & COLOUR DOPPLER IN DIAGNOSIS OF INTRAOSSEOUS jaw LESIONS: A comprehensive guide to pathology imaging

Intraosseous jaw lesions include odontogenic cysts, benign and malignant tumors, inflammatory lesions and other pathological conditions. Accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment planning and prognosis. Conventional radiography, CBCT, CT and MRI provide excellent anatomical information but may have limitations in assessing lesion content and vascularity. Ultrasonography (USG) offers a non-invasive, radiation-free, real-time method for evaluating lesions when cortical thinning, erosion or perforation permits ultrasound penetration. Gray-scale USG helps assess lesion size, margins, echogenicity, internal contents and cortical integrity. Cystic lesions generally show anechoic/hypoechoic appearance with posterior enhancement and minimal internal vascularity, whereas solid and inflammatory lesions may demonstrate internal echoes and increased vascularity. Colour Doppler provides additional information regarding blood-flow presence, distribution and intensity, aiding differentiation of cystic, inflammatory and solid lesions. USG-Doppler is useful as an adjunct to conventional imaging and for follow-up.