OSTEOSARCOMA OF THE JAWS: CLINICAL, RADIOGRAPHIC, HISTOPATHOLOGICAL, AND THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS

Abstract

Osteosarcoma of the jaws is a rare malignant neoplasm of mesenchymal origin, characterized by the production of osteoid by tumor cells. Although it represents a small percentage of osteosarcomas, it has distinct clinical and biological characteristics when compared to tumors of the long bones. This study aimed to review the recent literature on the epidemiological, clinical, radiographic, histopathological, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of osteosarcoma of the jaws. This is a narrative literature review conducted through searches in the PubMed/MEDLINE and SciELO databases, including articles published between 2022 and 2024. The results showed that the mandible is the most frequently affected site, with facial swelling, pain, tooth mobility, and paresthesia being the most common clinical manifestations. Radiographically, widening of the periodontal ligament space and a "sunburst" pattern stand out. Definitive diagnosis depends on histopathological analysis, while treatment is mainly based on surgical resection with clear margins. Although the metastasis rate is relatively low, local recurrence remains the main factor associated with an unfavorable prognosis. In conclusion, early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are fundamental to improving clinical outcomes and patient survival.