Which condition is indicated by a swollen maxilla in radiographic images?

A swollen maxilla observed in radiographic images is indicative of Paget's disease. This condition is characterized by abnormal bone remodeling, leading to enlarged and weakened bones. In the case of the maxilla, Paget's disease can result in increased vascularity and expansion of the bone, making it appear swollen on imaging studies.

Paget's disease typically affects older adults and can involve various bones throughout the body. Its hallmark is the disorganized bone architecture leading to a high turnover of bone tissue, which can manifest radiographically as a thickened, enlarged maxilla. This change can also lead to complications such as pain, deformity, and in some cases, dental issues due to changes in the jaw structure.

In contrast, osteoporosis is primarily concerned with a decrease in bone density and would not typically present as a swollen maxilla. Bone necrosis refers to the death of bone tissue, which would not cause generalized swelling but rather localized areas of concern. Fibrous dysplasia involves the replacement of normal bone with fibrous tissue, which could cause some abnormality in the maxilla but not primarily a "swollen" appearance as seen in Paget's disease. Thus, the distinct features and radiographic patterns associated with Paget's disease strongly support it