Which of the following is classified as an expansile lesion of the jaw bone?

• A. Odontogenic keratocyst
• B. Central haemangioma
• C. Radicular cyst

Answer: (B)

An expansile lesion of the jaw bone is characterized by a growth that causes the bone to expand as it develops. Central haemangiomas are vascular lesions and are known to create a significant amount of pressure on the surrounding bone. This pressure leads to the resorption of bone and, subsequently, an expansion of the jaw structure as the blood vessels within the lesion grow and increase in number.

In contrast, odontogenic keratocysts and radicular cysts typically do not show this expansile behavior to the same extent. Odontogenic keratocysts can cause some expansion but are more often associated with bony destruction rather than aggressive expansion. Radicular cysts, which form at the apex of non-vital teeth, can also cause bony resorption but are generally more localized. Thus, while other lesions may cause some changes in bone structure, the central haemangioma is most traditionally recognized for its unique ability to expand the bone significantly.