Primary intra-osseous carcinoma involving the maxilla

Primary intra-osseous carcinoma, especially in the maxilla, is a rare sub-type of odontogenic carcinoma. The authors describe a recurrent case with maxillary involvement. In 1981, an intra-osseous maxillary tumour was excised from a 33 year-old male. There were two recurrences (in 1983 and 1984). Extra-osseous sites for the origin of the tumour were excluded. The histopathological appearance of the tumour was that of a primary intra-osseous carcinoma. At the age of 22 years, the patient had an osteosarcoma of the radius and at the age of 31 years, pulmonary tuberculosis. The differential diagnosis of primary intra-osseous carcinoma is discussed.