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Osteosarcoma of jaws: Challenges in diagnosis
Sonalee Shah1, Biswajit Mishra2, Nidhi Tiwari1
1Department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology : JOMFP
|May 10, 2021
Summary
Osteosarcoma of the jaw is rare, often presenting as swelling. This case highlights a small-cell osteosarcoma in a teen, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Osteosarcoma (OS) comprises 20% of sarcomas, with jaw involvement in 6-10% of OS cases.
- Jaw OS typically presents as swelling, differing from long bone OS, and often has more favorable histopathologic features.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male presented with intra-oral growth and facial swelling.
- Radiographic findings revealed ill-defined radiolucency in the mandible, extending into the ramus.
- A hemi-mandibulectomy was performed for tumor removal.
Findings:
- Microscopic evaluation showed spindle-shaped cells in a biphasic pattern with attempted bone formation.
- The tumor was an osteoblastic variety with positive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and Vimentin.
- The small-cell histology necessitated careful differential diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare presentations of jaw osteosarcoma.
- Accurate histopathological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of mandibular tumors.
- Understanding the unique characteristics of jaw OS aids in surgical planning and patient outcomes.
