A Stafne bone defect in the anterior mandible--a diagnostic dilemma.

Stafne bone defects are nonprogressive yet nonhealing bone cavities situated near the angle of the mandible. Rare locations include the anterior mandible and the ramus. In most instances, salivary gland tissue can be found in these defects, which are of unclear pathogenesis. The case of a unilateral Stafne bone defect in the anterior mandible is presented. A 46-year-old man presented in an oral-maxillofacial practice with two panoramic radiographs, taken in 2001 and 2008, showing a progressive radiolucent region overlying the apices of the lateral incisor, canine, and first premolar in the left mandible. The patient did not report any symptoms or pain in the region of the radiolucency. The differential diagnosis was odontogenic cyst or neoplastic lesion. Following surgical exploration, histology showed inflamed connective tissue, fatty tissue, striated muscle, bony fragments, and salivary gland tissue but no cystic or neoplastic lesion.