Primary osteosarcoma of the jaw: clinicopathological characterization of a rare tumour

Abstract

Osteosarcomas are the most common primary bone malignancy, typically affecting the long bones. Rarely are they found within the jaw, but when they do so, they present with paraesthesia, swelling and tooth loss. Herein we present a case of primary osteosarcoma of the mandible in a 76-year-old man, similarly, presenting to clinicians with paraesthesia, jaw swelling and loss of his back molar tooth. Computed tomography (CT) showed a spiculated lesion arising from bone, with overlying soft tissue infiltration, confirmed by Histopathology as a high-grade osteoblastic osteosarcoma. The patient underwent a hemi-mandibulectomy and lymph node dissection, with reconstructive surgery. A focused literature view highlights the; presentation, investigation, and management of jaw osteosarcomas, and touches on how immunohistochemical and genetic factors are hoping to effectively aid in the treatment and prognostication of patients, ultimately aiming to provide a more personalised and precision-based care for this rare entity.