Osteosarcoma of the jaw
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Updated: Nov 6, 2026
Three-Dimensional Bone Extracellular Matrix Model for Osteosarcoma
Published on: April 12, 2019
R Delgado1, E Maafs, A Alfeiran
1Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia of Mexico, Mexico City.
Background:
Osteogenic sarcoma of the jaw has clinical and prognostic differences from that of long bones.
Methods:
We reviewed 23 confirmed cases of osteosarcoma of the jaw seen at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia of Mexico between 1972 and 1990.
Results:
Fifty-seven percent of the patients were women. Median age for all patients was 28 years. In 52% of cases, the neoplasm involved the maxilla. Tumor size ranged from 5 to 24 cm (median 10 x 7 cm) and 87% of the neoplasms were grade III or IV (Broder's). Twenty one (91%) patients were treated with surgery (s); radiotherapy (Rt) was administered to 14 (61%) and chemotherapy (Ct) to 11 (48%) patients. Clear (negative) surgical margins were obtained in 43% of surgically treated patients. Median follow-up for 20 patients eligible for evaluation was 16.5 months. Survival at 5 years was 10%.
Conclusions:
We found that tumor size and surgical margins were significant prognostic factors. Early diagnosis of these tumors is mandatory to improve survival; the role of Ct and Rt is still unknown.
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