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. 2009 Dec 11:3:9327.
doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-3-9327.

Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report

Luiz Antonio Guimarães Cabral  1 , Cristina Werkman, Adriana Aigotti Haberbeck Brandão, Janete Dias Almeida
Affiliations

Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report

Luiz Antonio Guimarães Cabral et al. J Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction: Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone-forming neoplasms that account for about 20% of all sarcomas. In light of their aggressive behavior, early diagnosis is crucial for determining adequate treatment. Dental professionals may be the first to detect jaw osteosarcomas in their initial stages. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the possibility of diagnosing this tumor based on clinical, radiographical and cytological characteristics before confirmation by histology.

Case presentation: A 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian man presented with swelling and pain on the left side of the mandible in the region of the third molar (tooth 38). Radiography showed a poorly delimited intraosseous lesion with radiolucent and radiopaque areas. The cytological aspects were consistent with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was confirmed by biopsy.

Conclusion: Imprint cytology was found to be a reliable, rapid and easy complementary examination. An early diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaw is fundamental to the early determination of an adequate treatment.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Extraoral examination showed a swelling causing deformity of the left mandibular body.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Clinical intraoral examination showing tissue proliferation which inverted the fundus of the buccal pouch from the region of tooth 33 to the retromolar triangle.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Orthopantomography (A) and occlusal (B) and periapical (C) radiographs reveal diffuse bone destruction on the left side of the mandible, presenting dense radiopaque, mixed and completely radiolucent areas. The periosteum showed the classical "sunray" reaction on occlusal (B) and periapical radiographs (C).
Figure 4
Figure 4
A. Histological aspect of the biopsy material. B. Cytological aspects of the imprint material.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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