Summary Cystic lesions of the mandible arise from both odontogenic and nonodontogenic sources. Given the wide range of patho-logic features but similar imaging findings, familiarity with embryologic characteristics and with secondary imaging find-ings is crucial. The prevalence and location in the mandible of a particular lesion often help narrow the differential diagnosis and direct the workup and treatment of a lesion. Imaging may not provide a specific diagnosis but should help narrow the dif-ferential diagnosis, thereby helping to guide patient treatment. References1. Weber AL, Kaneda T, Scrivani SJ, Aziz S. Jaw: cysts, tumors and nontumorous lesions. In: Som PM, Curtin HD, eds. Head and neck imaging , 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 2003:930–994 2. Barnes L, Reichart P, Eveson JW, Sidransky D. WHO classification of tumours: pathology and genetics of head and neck tumours . Lyon, France: IARC Press, 2005 3.Avery JK, Steele PF. Essentials of oral histology and embryology: a clinical approach