[Incidence and clinical consequences of distant metastases in the area of the jaw/face].

Metastases from primary tumours and distant sites to the maxillofacial region are rare. The establishment of an exact diagnosis is often difficult because of the atypical clinical and roentgenological appearances. Thirty-five cases of distant metastases to oral soft tissues and jaws are presented. The most common primary tumours were renal carcinomas followed by breast cancers. In most cases metastatic lesions lie in the distal segment of the mandible. The possibilities of treatment are very limited.