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Osteosarcomas of the Head and Neck Region: A Case Series with a Review of Literature

Krishnamurthy A, Palaniappan R

Journal of maxillofacial and oral surgery, 2018

14 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcomas of head and neck region have unique biology and exhibit a clinical behavior and natural history that is distinct from osteosarcomas of the trunk and extremities. Our understanding of this malignant bone tumor is largely based on data from single institutions or compiled from registries, and hence the clinical practice guidelines seem confusing and conflicting.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the demographic profile, disease characteristics and survival outcomes of osteosarcoma of head and neck region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the patients treated for osteosarcoma of head and neck region with curative intent in the period between the years 2001-2013 at a tertiary cancer center from South India.

RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were treated in the said period with a mean age of 37 years. The most common site was mandible (n = 9 patients) followed by maxilla (n = 4) and paranasal sinuses (n = 1). Conventional osteoblastic variant of OS was the most common histological variant (n = 8) followed by the chondroblastic variant (n = 5). The median disease-free survival was 41.7 months, whereas the median overall survival of our patient cohort was 47.6 months. A formal analysis of various prognostic factors showed only postoperative margin positivity to be the single important factor affecting the survival outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Head and neck osteosarcoma that most commonly afflicts the jaw bones occurs in the fourth decade of life.…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 14 participants or records.

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