Radionuclide bone scanning in the diagnosis of lesions of the maxillofacial region.

Radionuclide scanning is a safe, simple, sensitive technique for demonstrating lesions of the skeletal system. It has proved to be valuable in the early detection and differential diagnoses of lesions involving the maxillofacial region. Abnormal uptake of a bone scanning agent relies on a disturbance of the mineral metabolism of bone. These changes in the pathophysiology of bone are detected earlier on radioisotope bone scans than on radiographs. Bone scanning is a superior technique for diagnosis when compared to radiographic examination. A positive scan is not pathognomonic of any specific disease, but with the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings, it can differentiate many lesions and contribute invaluable information concerning a particular lesion or condition so that treatment can be more effectively planned.