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Updated: May 29, 2026

Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
Published on: April 7, 2017
Sarcomatous transformation in the McCune-Albright syndrome
Pedro Ivo Machado Pires de Araújo1, Vítor Yamashiro Rocha Soares, André Luís Queiroz
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Brasília, Ambulatório II, SGAN, Via L2 Norte, Quadra 604/605, Asa Norte, CEP 70840-050, Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil.
Background:
McCune-Albright syndrome is a relatively rare disease characterized by the trio of fibrous dysplasia, café-au-lait pigmentation, and endocrine disturbances. It predominantly affects females and may be associated with sarcomatous degeneration in 0.4% to 4% of the cases.
Case Report:
This article reports on the case of a 24-year-old female patient who had presented a mass in the oral cavity for 30 days, probably originating from the left ramus of the mandible. She had a previous diagnosis of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, along with café-au-lait spots and endocrine disorders, thus characterizing McCune-Albright syndrome. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed osteosarcoma of the mandible. The patient underwent chemotherapy and a surgical procedure for lesion resection. One year has now passed since the patient's operation, and the disease is under control.
Discussion:
The patient presented sarcomatous degeneration in areas of fibrous dysplasia, consisting of mesenchymal cells that produced osteoid. Malignant degeneration is rare when it is not associated with McCune-Albright syndrome. There is no curative treatment for the syndrome. Attending physicians need to bring endocrine disorders under control, with surgical treatment in cases of significant deformities, as well as providing clinical and psychological care.

