Report of six cases of metastatic jaw tumours in Nigerians

Background : Metastatic tumours make up approximately one per cent of all oral malignancies. Such tumours may present in the jawbones and oral soft tissues. The commonest oral site is the mandible. Nigerian reports of metastatic tumours to the jaws are very rare. Method : This is a retrospective study of six cases of metastatic tumours to the jaws seen at the Maxillofacial Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Kaduna from1979-1998,representing 1% of all histologically confirmed malignant jaw tumours in the hospital. Results : Unlike in other reports, most (three of our six cases) originated from the thyroid gland while the rest were from the breast, uterus and the nasopharynx. More of our lesions occurred in the mandible (4) than the maxilla (2) and almost all patients presented with oral complaints oblivious of the primary malignancy. These complaints resemble those from odontogenic infections and benign neoplasms. The most common histological type of metastatic tumours in this study was the adenocarcinoma (50%). Conclusion : In view of the similarity in presentation of metastatic lesions to the jaws and other odontogenic tumours and even infections, a high index of clinical suspicion is advocated to ensure early, multidisciplinary care of patients.