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[Osseous metastases in upper and lower jaws].
K W Grätz1, H F Sailer, M Makek
1Kieferchirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik des Universitätsspitals Zürich.
Deutsche Zeitschrift Fur Mund-, Kiefer- Und Gesichts-Chirurgie
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Metastases to the jaws, often osteolytic, are rare but serious complications of primary cancers like breast and lung carcinoma. Early detection is crucial as symptoms can include pain and swelling, with diagnosis often occurring years after the initial cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pathology
Context:
- Metastases to the jaws represent a rare but significant clinical challenge.
- This study reviews 18 cases of jaw metastases over a decade at the University Hospital Zürich.
- The cases involved primary carcinomas of the breast, lung, prostate, uterus, and testicular seminoma.
Purpose:
- To analyze the characteristics and clinical presentation of jaw metastases.
- To understand the diagnostic timeline and patient demographics.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing these metastases in cancer patients.
Summary:
- The study identified 18 cases of jaw metastases, predominantly in the mandible (16 cases).
- Patients averaged 61.6 years old, with no significant sex predilection.
- Initial symptoms included pain and swelling; osteolytic lesions and pathological fractures were common.
- Metastases were typically diagnosed 3.3 years post-primary tumor diagnosis, but occasionally preceded it.
- The prognosis was poor, with a median survival of approximately one year post-metastasis diagnosis.
Impact:
- Enhances understanding of metastatic patterns in head and neck oncology.
- Informs diagnostic strategies for dentists and maxillofacial surgeons encountering suspicious jaw lesions.
- Underscores the need for vigilance in cancer patients presenting with oral symptoms.
- Contributes to the literature on secondary malignancies affecting the oral cavity.