Exploring paediatric jaw osteosarcoma: a detailed case report of a 12-year-old girl and review of the literature

Abstract

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone malignancy, rarely affects the jaw, representing only 6%–10% of cases. Jaw osteosarcoma typically occurs in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years and is uncommon in children. It often involves the mandible, especially in males, presenting with swelling, tooth mobility, and paraesthesia rather than pain. We present a rare case of jaw osteosarcoma in a 12-year-old girl who exhibited paraesthesia and a significant mandibular mass. Imaging demonstrated extensive mandibular involvement with Codman’s triangle formation, and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of conventional osteosarcoma. The treatment approach included a hemimandibulectomy, followed by temporary reconstruction using a titanium plate and silastic spacer. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation and multidisciplinary management in diagnosing and treating osteosarcoma of the jaws in children. A review of 12 similar cases highlights the variability in presentation and treatment outcomes, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans to optimize patient prognosis.