Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the imaging characteristics of peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) in the jaw. Study design Imaging studies of 6 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Conventional radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed in all patients.

 Results

  A fusiform lesion continuous with the nerve was observed in 2 cases, with the tumor arising within the inferior alveolar canal. In the other 4 cases, with the tumor arising outside the canal, the tumor had protruded and eroded into the bone. Protrusion was also present in 1 of the 2 cases, with the tumor arising within the canal. A target or fascicular sign was observed each in 1 case.

 Conclusions

  A fusiform lesion continuous with the nerve and a target or fascicular sign was only present in a few cases. The PNSTs, however, showed a tendency to protrude into the bone.

 Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology

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