Cortication
Pronunciation: kor-tih-KAY-shun
The presence of a well-defined radiopaque (cortical bone) rim surrounding a radiographic lesion, indicating a slow-growing, non-aggressive nature.
Full Definition
Cortication refers to the thin, sclerotic shell of compact bone that delineates the margin of a lesion visible on radiographic images. The presence, absence, completeness, and thickness of cortication are key descriptors in dental radiology reports and influence the differential diagnosis of jaw lesions. A well-corticated lesion suggests a benign, slow-growing process, while loss or absence of cortication may indicate a more aggressive or malignant process. Editors must distinguish 'corticated' (having a cortical border) from 'cortical' (pertaining to cortical bone in general) and from 'sclerotic' (broadly thickened and opaque). Cortication is a noun; the adjectival form is 'corticated', and 'cortication' should not be used adjectivally.
Usage
Usage note: 'Cortication' is the noun form; the adjectival form is 'corticated'. Do not confuse with the general term 'cortical bone'.
In Context
- "The lesion showed complete cortication at its superior and inferior borders, consistent with a benign cystic process." — Periapical radiology report
- "The editor changed 'cortical border' to 'cortication' to align with the journal's preferred terminology for lesion border descriptions." — Journal copy-editing note