Metastatic tumours of oral cavity - A clinico pathological appraisal of six cases

Abstract

Background : Tumors metastasizing to the oral and maxillofacial region are rare and contribute to about 1% of all malignancies. Oral metastases usually occur in advanced stages of cancers. Mandible is the most common site for metastasis. It is a great challenge for a clinician to diagnose a metastatic lesion due to lack of pathognomonic signs and symptoms. Dental surgeons play an important role in patients where oral metastasis is the first sign of undiscovered cancer in other parts of the body. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical, radiological and histopathological features of metastatic lesions to the oral & maxillofacial region. Materials And Methods: A total of 6 different histopathologically diagnosed cases of metastasis to the oral cavity were included in this study. Clinical demographic profile, radiographic findings, histopathological findings, treatment and follow up data were recorded and analysed.Results: All the cases included in the study were histopathologically diagnosed as metastatic tumors. The age of occurrence was in the range of 40 to 70 years and involved 3 males and 3 females. 4 cases had extra oral swelling as the clinical presentation. 4 cases involved the mandible. Radiolucent lesions involving the bone were seen in 87% of the cases.Conclusion: Based on the cumulative clinical data from the 6 cases, identification of metastatic tumors were based on histopathological findings correlating with the clinical radiographic and other investigations. Early diagnosis of the metastatic tumors of unknown origin could improve the chance of survival of patients.