Osteosarcoma of the jaw.

BACKGROUND

Osteogenic sarcoma of the jaw has clinical and prognostic differences from that of long bones.

METHODS

We reviewed 23 confirmed cases of osteosarcoma of the jaw seen at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia of Mexico between 1972 and 1990.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven percent of the patients were women. Median age for all patients was 28 years. In 52% of cases, the neoplasm involved the maxilla. Tumor size ranged from 5 to 24 cm (median 10 x 7 cm) and 87% of the neoplasms were grade III or IV (Broder's). Twenty one (91%) patients were treated with surgery (s); radiotherapy (Rt) was administered to 14 (61%) and chemotherapy (Ct) to 11 (48%) patients. Clear (negative) surgical margins were obtained in 43% of surgically treated patients. Median follow-up for 20 patients eligible for evaluation was 16.5 months. Survival at 5 years was 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that tumor size and surgical margins were significant prognostic factors. Early diagnosis of these tumors is mandatory to improve survival; the role of Ct and Rt is still unknown.