Primary intraosseous carcinoma of the mandible--a case report and review of the literature.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma arising within bone is a rare lesion and is only seen essentially in the jaw bones.

Methods: A case of primary intraosseous carcinoma arising in the mandible is reported in a 60-year-old female patient. Twenty-eight cases of primary intraosseous carcinoma published in the literature, till date, are reviewed.

Results: The mean age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 53 years and the male: female ratio was 2.2:1. The posterior mandible was the predominant site. Fourteen of 28 patients presented with routine dental disorders, while eight patients complained of swelling, four of severe pain and three had sensory disturbances. The incidence of lymphadenopathy was 10 (34.481%) out of the 29 cases reviewed here. Wide surgical excision is accepted as the treatment of choice.

Conclusion: The most common presenting symptom of these tumours is swelling and persistent pain in the jaw. Hence, in making a diagnosis one is likely to consider benign dental conditions. The importance of considering intraosseous carcinoma as a possibility in all cases of persistent pain and swelling in the jaw is emphasized so that suitable treatment can be instituted early.