Clinicopathological Features of Metastasis to the Oral and Maxillofacial Region-Multicenter Study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of metastases in the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Methods: In this retrospective study, biopsy records were obtained from referral centers for oral and maxillofacial diagnosis in Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and South Africa.

Results: A total of 120 cases were evaluated. Of these, 53.78% affected female patients, with a mean age of 57.64 years. Intraosseous lesions were more frequent, particularly in the posterior region of the mandible (49.58%). Clinically, most cases presented with symptomatic swelling, with an average evolution time of 25 months. The clinical diagnostic hypothesis in most instances was that of a malignant lesion. Breast cancer was the most common primary tumor location in females, while lung origin was most common in males. In most cases, the primary cancer was an adenocarcinoma (44.73%). The follow-up period was available for 29 cases, and out of these, 20 had died due to the disease.

Conclusion: Although this is a rare condition, clinicians should be aware that any oral lesions have the possibility of being metastatic, particularly in individuals with a previous history of cancer. The findings from this study could assist clinicians in prompt diagnosing these lesions and subsequent conducting oncologic assessments and treatment.

Keywords: Jaws; Neoplasm metastasis; Oral cancer; Oral cavity.