Stafne mandibular bone cavity: Case series

Stafne Mandibular Bone Cavity (SMBC) is an asymptomatic bone depression typically seen on the lingual surface of the mandible, often in the posterior region. It was first described by Edward C. Stafne in 1942. Although the etiology is not definitively known, it is thought that the submandibular salivary gland (at the posterior region) or the sublingual salivary gland (at they anterior region) causes bone resorption by exerting pressure on the mandible. SMBC is typically found in males, between the ages of 50-70, and is often detected incidentally on panoramic radiographs. In the case series, radiolucent areas were observed below the mandibular canal in 9 patients; 1 was irregular, 2 were round, and 6 were oval in shape, all with well-defined borders. These structures do not require treatment and are monitored with regular clinical and radiological follow-ups.