Clinical and Pathological Features of Osteosarcomas of the Jaws: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Osteosarcomas of the jaw (OSJs) are rare tumors with distinct characteristics from osteosarcomas affecting other bones. This study aims to analyze the clinical, pathological, and therapeutic characteristics of OSJs. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study including patients diagnosed with OSJ registered at the “La Paz” University Hospital, Madrid, was performed. Results: Data of eight patients with a diagnosis of OSJ were obtained during the study period of 22 years (2002–2024). The mean age of the patients was 41 years. The distribution was 1:1 between the maxilla and mandible. Painful inflammation was the most frequent clinical manifestation. Conventional osteoblastic osteosarcoma was the most predominant histological type. Survival rate at 5 years was 50%, which decreased to 25% at 10 years. Conclusions: OSJs differ from conventional osteosarcomas of long tubular bones. Surgery continues to be the mainstay of treatment. However, more studies are needed through which more standardized protocols can be proposed for adjuvant therapeutic management.

Keywords

• osteosarcoma of the jaw
• head and neck cancer
• oral cancer
• malignant bone tumors