Juxtacortical osteosarcoma of the jaws

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant tumour which despite modern surgery and chemotherapy still retains a relatively poor prognosis. This prognosis is, however, much better in the rare variant known as juxtacortical osteosarcoma. Both types of osteosarcoma mainly affect the long bones but the juxtacortical variant may be treated less aggressively and has a much better survival rate. The authors report four cases of juxtacortical osteosarcoma affecting the jaws and discuss these unusual tumours and their management.