Performance of Different Radiographic Modalities in Identifying Odontogenic Cysts and Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v25i2.88723Keywords:
Radiographic modalities; odontogenic cysts; tumors; performance; systematic review; meta-analysis.Abstract
Background Radiographic diagnosis of odontogenic cysts and tumors requires proper diagnosis to facilitate successful treatment. Although many types of imaging modalities exist, the relative diagnostic performance of these modalities is not well established. Methods This paper sought to review the literature on the effectiveness of panoramic radiography, CBCT, and CT to detect these jaw lesions. It was a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. After a thorough search in four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) that were published between 2015 and 2024, 8 eligible comparative studies were found. The information on diagnostic accuracy and significant imaging findings was retrieved. ROBINS-E was used to assess risk of bias, and meta-analyses (random-effects with subgroup) were conducted. Results It was shown that CBCT has a major advantage over panoramic radiography in terms of diagnosis, and the studies showed a substantial increase in accuracy (e.g., 70.4% to 85.2%). CBCT has always offered better visualization of such critical features as cortical perforation and root resorption. On the contrary, the efficacy of CBCT and MDCT was similar regarding the bony assessment. Subgroup analysis showed that comparison type (CBCT vs. Panoramic vs. CBCT vs. MDCT) explained more than 76% of the heterogeneity of the results observed. Mixed jaw lesions had strong evidence but inconclusive evidence of individual organizations, such as ameloblastoma. Conclusion CBCT is a better choice over panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of odontogenic lesions since it gives a better 3D detail that increases diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning. It is as efficient as MDCT and with a lesser amount of radiation in most of the bony assessments. Its functions of distinguishing between certain forms of lesions need further research.
BJMS, Vol. 25 No. 02 April’26 Page: 423-435
Downloads
51
32
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Khaled M Alzahrani, Nasser Raqe Alqhtani, Fawaz Alqahtani, Mahmud Uz Zaman, Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Wajdi A Mohammed (Bin), Abdullah Ayed Alanazi

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish in the Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science agree to the following terms that:
- Authors retain copyright and grant Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science the right of first publication of the work.

Articles in Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License CC BY-4.0.This license permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as greater citation of published work.