Clinicopathological Study of Sarcoma Involving the Oral and Maxillofacial Region

Oral and Maxillofacial Sarcomas: A Clinicopathological Study

Abstract

Background: Malignant connective tissue tumors, or sarcomas, are derived from the connective tissue of the body. They fall into two categories: hard tissue sarcomas, such as osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma, and soft tissue sarcomas, such as leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Clinicopathological research can shed light on the biological activity of oral sarcomas.

Objective: The study intends to explore clinical, pathological, and radiological aspects of sarcoma affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions in a tertiary health care center in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Method: It was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dhaka Dental College and Hospital, during the period from January 2017 to December 2018. Regardless of age or gender, 20 individuals with maxillofacial sarcoma who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and had a histological diagnosis were enrolled.

Results: A total of 215 maxillofacial malignancies were found, of which 20 (9.3%) were sarcomas. Numerous histopathological varieties were identified, with fibrosarcoma making up the majority of cases (30%), followed by rhabdomyosarcoma (25%), osteosarcoma (15%), and Ewing's sarcoma (10%). The proportion of men to women was 1:1. Patients with sarcomas ranged in age from one year to sixty years (mean age, 22.75 ± 13.79 years). The area primarily impacted was the anterior maxilla (25%), followed by the left body of the mandible (15%), the right maxilla (10%), and the right body of the mandible (10%). The clinical manifestations of sarcoma included swelling in all patients, pain (85%), toothaches (85%), loose teeth (70%), ulcers (50%), paresthesia (50%), and restriction of mouth opening (40%). The radiological findings revealed that 30% of patients exhibited a widening of the periodontal ligament space, and 65% of patients had tooth resorption and displacement.

Conclusion: Out of 215 maxillofacial malignancies 9.3% were sarcomas, with fribrosarcoma being the most common kind. In addition to radiologically showing tooth resorption, displacement, and widening of the periodontal ligament, the majority of patients also reported pain and swelling.  

Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2024; 50: 81-88