Evaluation of mandibular tumor invasion with magnetic resonance imaging.

Evaluating the extent of tumor invasion of the mandible is clinically important in the management of mandibular tumors. Conventional imaging studies including panoramic radiography, bone scans, and computed tomography, as well as clinical evaluation can be unreliable in defining the extent of neoplastic marrow invasion. This study presents the initial UCLA, Los Angeles, Calif, experience with magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating mandibular invasion by benign and malignant neoplasms. Magnetic resonance imaging, using T1 and T2 images, was compared with conventional imaging methods in 11 patients with malignant lesions and nine patients with benign lesions. In all cases, magnetic resonance imaging most accurately determined the full extent of tumor invasion in the mandibular marrow spaces. Magnetic resonance imaging appears to be superior to offer clear benefits over conventional imaging methods, including computed tomography, for the evaluation of tumor invasion of the mandible.