Radiographic appearance of a Stafne bone cyst.

Panoramic, Axial  and Cross Sectional Views of Stafne bone cyst

A Stafne bone cyst, aka Stafne defect or Stafne bone cavity, is a benign, asymptomatic, and non-progressive bone lesion found in the posterior mandible. It is actually a pseudocyst (not a true cyst) since it lacks an epithelial lining and is typically filled with normal salivary gland tissue, fat, or connective tissue.

  Radiographic Findings of a Stafne Bone Cyst:

1. Location:

   - It is most commonly found in the posterior mandible (lower jaw), below the mandibular canal, near the angle of the jaw, often between the molar region and the mandibular angle.

   - It is usually unilateral (appearing on one side).

 2. Shape

   - Appears as a well-defined, round or ovoid radiolucency (dark area on the X-ray).

   - The borders are corticated, meaning they have a thin, dense white border which indicates the bone is reacting to the defect.

 3. Size

   - The size can vary, but it usually ranges from 1 to 3 cm in diameter.

 4. Effects on Surrounding Structures

   - No displacement of teeth or resorption of adjacent structures.

   - It does not expand or cause cortical bone thinning.

 5. Location relative to vital structures

   - Positioned inferior to the mandibular canal (housing the inferior alveolar nerve), distinguishing it from other lesions that may impact this area.

  Importance of Radiographic Identification:

- Since a Stafne bone cyst is asymptomatic and has characteristic radiographic features, it is typically discovered incidentally during routine dental radiographs, such as panoramic X-rays.

- Diagnosis is based mainly on its typical appearance on the radiograph. No treatment is required, and follow-up is not usually necessary unless there is clinical uncertainty or atypical features.  If confirmation is needed, CT scans or MRI can be used to visualize the content of the cavity, which will show salivary gland tissue rather than a cystic or pathological process.

For more information visit https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6736811/