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Published on: October 18, 2021
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the upper jaw involving the zygomatic bone: A case report
Mitsunobu Otsuru1, Sakiko Soutome2, Saki Hayashida1
1Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken 852-8588, Japan.
Introduction And Importance:
Osteonecrosis of the jaw resulting from treatment with antiresorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, is widely recognized as medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of medication-related osteonecrosis of the upper jaw extending to the zygomatic bone.
Case Presentation:
An 81-year-old woman treated with denosumab for multiple lung cancer bone metastases presented to the authors' hospital with a swelling in the upper jaw. Computed tomography showed osteolysis, periosteal reaction of the maxillary bone, maxillary sinusitis, and osteosclerosis of the zygomatic bone. The patient underwent conservative treatment; however, osteosclerosis of the zygomatic bone progressed to osteolysis.
Clinical Discussion:
If the maxillary MRONJ extends to the surrounding bony structures, such as the orbit and skull base, serious complications may occur.
Conclusion:
It is important to detect early signs of maxillary MRONJ, before it involves the surrounding bones.

