Osteosarcoma of jaws: An insight into literature

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OS), referred to as osteogenic sarcoma, is the most common primary malignant bone tumor excluding plasma cell tumors. It accounts for approximately 15% of all primary bone tumors confirmed at biopsy. It commonly involves the appendicular skeleton. Like, its counterpart in the long bones, OS affecting the head-and-neck region shows the distinct yet diverse clinical, histologic, and prognostic characteristics. Its diagnosis is a challenge to oral pathologists and is especially important in early stages to improve its prognosis. The data have been taken from the published articles and standard books and are summarized. In this review, in addition to summarizing the current understanding of OS etiology and diagnostic methods, various experimental therapeutics have been described that provides evidence to encourage a potential paradigm shift toward the introduction of immunomodulation, which may offer a more comprehensive approach to battling cancer.