Benign vs Malignant Radiographic Features — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Well-defined, corticated borders
Well-defined, corticated (sclerotic) borders are the hallmark radiographic feature of benign jaw lesions. The corticated border indicates that the lesion is growing slowly enough for the surrounding bone to mount a reactive bone response (sclerotic rim). Ill-defined, non-corticated, moth-eaten borders suggest aggressive or malignant lesions. Periosteal reactions (sunburst, onion-skin) are associated with malignancy (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma) or aggressive infection.
Reference: White & Pharoah – Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation, 8th ed., 2019