Multilocular
Pronunciation: mul-tee-LOK-yuh-ler
Describing a radiographic lesion that contains multiple compartments divided by internal bony septa, giving a soap-bubble or honeycomb appearance.
Full Definition
A multilocular lesion in dental radiology is one in which internal bony septa create the radiographic appearance of multiple chambers within a single lesion boundary. Classic descriptors include 'soap-bubble' (large locules with curved septa) and 'honeycomb' (numerous small locules). Both are subsets of the multilocular category and should be used precisely. Editors must verify that 'multilocular' is not used loosely to mean merely 'large' or 'complex'. The distinction between unilocular and multilocular is a standardised diagnostic descriptor in jaw lesion reporting and carries differential diagnostic weight for entities such as ameloblastoma, central giant cell granuloma, and odontogenic keratocyst. Editors should also verify consistent hyphenation: 'multilocular' is one unhyphenated word.
Usage
Usage note: Subcategories 'soap-bubble' and 'honeycomb' describe the type of multilocular pattern; do not use these as synonyms for 'multilocular' itself.
In Context
- "The expansile mandibular lesion demonstrated a multilocular pattern with coarse internal septa, raising the possibility of ameloblastoma." — CBCT radiology report
- "Check that 'multilocular' and 'honeycomb' are not used as synonyms in the same paragraph; they are related but not equivalent descriptors." — Radiology editorial checklist