Primary leiomyosarcoma of the mandible

Abstract

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a malignant neoplasm derived from smooth muscle cells. Only between 3% and 10% appear in the head and neck region, and less than 1% is of intraoral location affecting oral soft tissue structures. About 20 cases of primary LMS involving the mandible have been reported. This case report describes the clinical, histological and surgical features of a primary intraosseous mandibular LMS in a 13 year old male patient. The tumour required a subtotal resection of the mandible with immediate reconstruction using a microsurgical fibula flap. Histopathologically, the characteristic features of leiomyosarcoma were revealed. Since the total number of cases of primary LMS of the mandible reported in the literature is very small factors associated with prognosis are difficult to evaluate. Local control of primary LMS of the mandible is achieved by adequate radical surgery and less by radiation therapy.