Osteosarcoma of the jaws: demographic and CT imaging features

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient demographic and CT imaging findings of primary osteosarcoma of the jaws. METHODS: 88 primary osteosarcomas of the jaws histopathologically diagnosed during 1997-2007 were reviewed. 21 cases of CT images were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 88 patients, 51 (58%) had tumours in the mandible and 37 (42%) in the maxilla. The mean age was 37.8 years (range 9-80 years). The male-to-female ratio was 1.32:1. The mean age of patients with mandibular lesions was 41.04 years and in those with maxillary lesions it was 33.3 years. CT imaging findings were available in 21 patients. In the maxilla (n = 9), all tumours (100%) arose from the alveolar ridge. In the mandible (n = 12), most tumours (9 cases, 75%), arose from the ramus and/or condyle. All except two lesions had the epicentrum within the medullary cavity of the involved bone. The presence of periosteal reaction was demonstrated in 13 cases (62%). Soft-tissue extension was present in 18 lesions (86%), with calcification identified in 13 (72%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides age, sex distribution, location and CT imaging features of primary osteosarcoma of the jaws.