Osteosarcoma of the mandible: A case report with an early radiographic manifestation

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a classical malignant bone-forming neoplasm which usually presents with an aggressive clinical course. The current case is presented with the radiographic feature of widening of the periodontal ligament space of the involved teeth, which is considered to be the earliest radiographic manifestation of osteosarcoma involving the jaw bone. The main aim of this case report was to focus on the importance of early diagnosis of this tumor based on clinical and radiographic examinations, and confirmation by histopathology. Considering the rarity of the disease type and particularly taking into account the fast progression and aggressiveness of this neoplasm, it is clear that the presentation of a clinical case represents a major contribution to better understanding of osteosarcomas involving the jaw bone.

Keywords: Jaw; Neoplasms; Osteosarcoma.

Fig. 1

A photograph shows a soft tissue growth on the right body of the mandible.

Fig. 2

A panoramic radiograph shows the loss of the lamina dura and widening of the periodontal ligament space involving the right permanent mandibular first molar and second premolar with mild rarefaction of the interdental alveolar bone between the right mandibular first molar and second molar.

Fig. 3

A periapical radiograph shows the loss of the lamina dura and periradicular bone loss involving the interdental bone between the right permanent mandibular second premolar and first molar.

Fig. 4

A right mandibular lateral occlusal radiograph shows the shadow of the soft tissue mass on the right side and peripheral cortical reactive bone formation.

Fig. 5

A. A photomicrograph shows neoplastic osteiod formation with varying degrees of calcification (H&E stain, 10×). B. A photomicrograph shows pleomorphic and hyperchromatic malignant osteoblastic cells (H&E stain, 40×).