Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas metastatic to the mandible

Abstract

I t is generally agreed today that metastatic tumors of the jaw occur more frequently than was formerly believed. These lesions are of great clinical importance, since their appearance in the jaw may be the first indication of an undiscovered malignancy which might exist in an unknown and distant primary site. This was true in the case that is being reported here. Among the carcinomas that have been known to metastasize to the jaws, the more common primary sites have been the breast, prostate, kidney, lung, thyroid gland, and gastrointestinal tract. The primary site of the tumor being reported here was the pancreas. Anderson1 states that only 2 per cent of all carcinomas are found in the pancreas, with the majority of these occurring in the head of the organ. Carcinoma of the tail of the pancreas is less commonly found. Clinically, carcinoma of the pancreas head is usually associated with obstruction of the common bile duct, accompanied by painless and ever-deepening jaundice, wasting, weakness, and clay-colored stools. Carcinoma of the tail of the pancreas usually is not accompanied by these symptoms. However, it is associated with earlier and more widespread extension and metastasis. Also, widespread venous thrombosis, especially of the lower extremities, and dccpseated pain may bc found in these cases2, 3