Osteosarcoma of the mandible and its management: A rare case report

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a classical malignant bone-forming neoplasm, characterised by osteoid synthesis by malignant osteoblasts. Osteosarcomas have an aggressive clinical course with a high mortality rate, despite their relatively low risk of distant metastases. The jaw bone is the most common site of occurrence in the head and neck region. These neoplasms often show characteristic clinical behaviours, varied radiological appearances, and a wide-ranging histological growth pattern. Early diagnosis and radical surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy if required, have been the treatment of choice. This case report emphasises the importance of early diagnosis of this tumour based on clinical features, radiographic examination, and confirmation by histopathology. Confirmation of the final diagnosis of osteosarcoma often requires a histopathological examination of the multiple biopsy specimens. Adjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery resulted in an excellent prognosis in the present case. Considering the rarity of the neoplasm, its fast progression, and its aggressiveness, the present case report would contribute to a better understanding of osteosarcomas involving the jaw bone and the management of the tumour involving the central arch of the mandible with involvement of the adjacent soft tissue structures.