Emmanouil Chatzipetros

Joint presentation with
CHRISTOS ANGELOPOULOS DDS, MS, PhD

Diagnostic Approach to Jaw Lesions:
• Radiologic diagnosis
• Indications for biopsy

This presentation consists of two main components:

The first one includes the key factors to be taken into account in order to compose a radiologic differential diagnosis (tissue of origin, shape and sized, appearance, effect on neighboring structures etc). These will guide the diagnostician as to the nature or aggressiveness of the pathological entity under investigation.

The second one includes all the following steps in order of the final diagnosis to be established: The growth rate, changes over time and finally biopsy.

A step-by-step diagnostic algorithm is presented, based on the evaluation of patient-related factors, clinical findings, and radiographic characteristics. Key radiographic parameters include lesion location, size, borders, internal structure, and effects on surrounding anatomical structures such as cortical bone, adjacent teeth, the mandibular canal, and the maxillary sinus. Special emphasis is placed on the identification of clinical and radiographic “red flags,” including ill-defined or moth-eaten borders, cortical destruction, rapid lesion growth, tooth mobility, paresthesia, and pathological fractures, which may indicate aggressive or malignant pathology and necessitate biopsy.
Through a series of representative clinical cases, the differential diagnosis of common radiolucent, radiopaque, and mixed jaw lesions is discussed, and the decision-making process regarding biopsy is demonstrated. The lecture highlights that not all jaw lesions require biopsy; rather, careful correlation of clinical and radiographic findings is essential. Biopsy is recommended in cases of uncertain diagnosis, suspected malignancy, aggressive lesions, persistent lesions, large lesions, or when histopathological confirmation is required prior to definitive treatment.

This systematic approach aims to assist clinicians in making evidence-based decisions, improving diagnostic accuracy, and ensuring appropriate patient management while minimizing unnecessary surgical interventions.

EMMANOUIL CHATZIPETROS DDS, MS, PhD

Emmanouil Chatzipetros is an Assistant Professor of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology at the School of Dentistry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from NKUA in 2008, graduating with a grade of “Very Good.” In 2015, he completed his postgraduate studies (MS) in Oral Diagnosis and Radiology at the same institution, graduating with distinction “Excellent”.
Between 2015 and 2016, he further pursued continuing education at NKUA in the field of implant dentistry, with a focus on both theoretical and clinical training. In 2019, he was awarded his PhD from the School of Dentistry, NKUA, with a grade of “Excellent,” following the successful defense of his doctoral dissertation.
Dr. Chatzipetros has been the recipient of three scholarships from the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), awarded during his undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. He has actively engaged in continuing professional development by attending numerous lectures, conferences, symposia, seminars, and workshops in Greece and internationally.
He has presented extensively at national and international scientific meetings and is the author of publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals. He is an active member of the European Academy of Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology (EADMFR), the International Association of Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology (IADMFR), and the Hellenic Society of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology (EEOGA).