Delayed diagnosis in the maxillofacial region: Two case reports

While conventional CT scan has historically been used for maxillofacial bone imaging. The introduction of cone beam CT (CBCT) in the new millennium has revolutionized the use of CT for dental and maxillofacial diagnoses. This paper presents two clinical examples of delayed diagnoses associated with maxillofacial imaging, describes the reasons for the delays and offers potential preventive measures. The first case involves a delay in the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a 49-year-old female who was being treated for an odontogenic problem. In the second case, a 9-year-old female who presented with a limited ability to open her mouth was mistakenly diagnosed with muscles spasm. Subsequently, she was found to have an elongation of the right lateral pterygoid plate that interfered with her right mandibular body, which restricted the degree to which she could open her mouth. A thorough clinical examination and accurate radiographic interpretation combined with a complete medical history can minimize these types of diagnostic delays. If the dentist is unable to conclusively reach a diagnosis, the patient should be referred immediately to a specialist who can better manage the specific medical problem.