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Osteosarcoma of the jaw is a rare but aggressive malignant bone tumor arising from osteoblastic cells that produce immature bone or osteoid tissue. Unlike osteosarcoma of long bones, jaw osteosarcoma typically presents in adults during the third to fifth decades of life and shows a slightly better prognosis when detected early. The mandible is more commonly affected than the maxilla, particularly in the posterior region.
Clinically, patients may present with progressive swelling of the jaw, facial asymmetry, pain, loosening of teeth, paresthesia, or difficulty in chewing. In some cases, rapid growth and ulceration of the overlying mucosa may be observed. Radiographic features are variable and may include mixed radiolucent–radiopaque lesions, ill-defined borders, cortical destruction, and characteristic “sunburst” or “spiculated” bone patterns.
Definitive diagnosis is established through histopathological examination, which reveals malignant osteoid formation. Management primarily involves wide surgical resection with clear margins, as complete excision is critical for local disease control. Chemotherapy is often used as an adjunct, especially in high-grade tumors, while radiotherapy may be considered in selected cases.
Early diagnosis, meticulous surgical planning, and long-term follow-up are essential to improve survival rates and functional outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma of the jaw.