Abstract :
Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone tumours characterised by the presence of malignant
mesenchymal cells producing osteoid or immature bone. Though rapidly growing bones are commonly
affected like metaphysis in the femur, rare cases of Osteosarcoma of jaw (JOS) too occur; with an incidence
of approximately 0.7 per million. The diagnosis involves clinico-radiological and histological correlation.
A 14-year old male presented with the chief complaints of swelling and pain in his lower jaw on left side
for 15 days and was given a provisional diagnosis of neoplasia of left body of mandible on radiography
which was confirmed as osteosarcoma in histopathology.
The case presented here highlight the importance of histopathology in diagnosing the lesion. Considering
its rarity we present the case and attempt to review the literature associated with this lesion. Osteosarcoma
especially of jaw requires a high degree of suspicion and need to be diagnosed and treated promptly
to prevent further complications as rapidly growing tumour could predispose to bony outgrowth, facial
deformity, airway compromise and metastasis.
Key message: Jaw osteosarcoma is a rare entity requiring clinico-radiological and histopathological corelation
for early diagnosis.With a clinically distinct profile as compared to its extremity counterpart, early
histomorpholgical diagnosis and management with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can lead to
better outcome.
Keyword :
Bone malignant tumour, Histopathology, Jaw osteosarcoma, Mandible, Osteoblastic.