Stafne Bone Cavity
Pronunciation: STAF-nee
A pseudocyst of the mandible representing a cortical bony depression, typically in the posterior mandible below the inferior alveolar canal, created by an accessory lobe of the submandibular gland.
Full Definition
Stafne Bone Cavity, also called Stafne bone defect or lingual mandibular salivary gland depression, is an incidental radiographic finding that appears as a well-defined radiolucency below the inferior alveolar canal in the posterior mandible. It is not a true cyst but rather a concavity on the lingual cortex occupied by ectopic salivary gland tissue, most often an accessory lobe of the submandibular gland. It requires no treatment and is clinically important primarily because it must not be confused with pathological lesions such as radicular cysts or central giant cell granuloma on radiographs. Editors must preserve the eponym with correct spelling ('Stafne,' not 'Staffne' or 'Stagne') and note that 'pseudocyst' is the appropriate qualifier if the author uses that framing.
Usage
Usage note: Spell the eponym 'Stafne' (single 'f'). Editors should not add 'cyst' as this is a pseudocyst/bone defect, not a true cyst. 'Static bone cyst' is an acceptable synonym in some publications but may require a note that no cystic lining is present.
In Context
- "The panoramic radiograph revealed a well-defined radiolucency below the inferior alveolar canal, subsequently confirmed as a Stafne bone cavity on MRI." — Radiographic Report
- "The editor corrected 'Staffne defect' to 'Stafne bone cavity' and added a note that no histological sampling is required for this pseudocyst." — Case Report Manuscript