Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma in the Maxilla: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare high-grade variant of chondrosarcoma distinguished by its aggressive nature. Molecular studies aid in establishing the diagnosis. We present a case report of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in the maxilla of a 39-year-old male patient and a literature review of 42 gnathic cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma with a discussion of clinical, imaging, microscopic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the head & neck: A review of reported cases in the literature.

The aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, blood-filled bony lesion that notoriously affects the vertebral column and long bones of the body. Rarely, ABCs can manifest in the head and neck (HNABC). The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on HNABC. This review includes: case reports and case series on ABCs manifesting in the head and neck region published in the English language. All cases identified via PubMed were analyzed individually. Articles were included according to specified eligibility criteria. The total number of cases analyzed were 72 (39 case reports; 33 case series). The average age at the time of HNABC diagnosis was 19.1 years (range: 0.42-62 years). The ratio of prevalence by gender affected exhibited an even 1:1 male-to-female split. CT in combination with MRI proved to be the most prevalent imaging modality utilized (37.2%). HNABC was most commonly detected in the mandible (37.1%), followed by the sinus (14.3%) and cranium (11.4%). The most frequently employed single treatment modality was surgical excision (94.1%). 94.4% of patients were alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up, while 5.6% of patients exhibited disease at follow-up. The average follow-up period was 3.59 years (range: 0.17-17.0 years). Aneurysmal bone cyst of the head and neck region is a rare condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bony, vascular lesions presenting in the aforementioned locations. Since aneurysmal bone cyst of the head and neck region can present as a rapidly growing, expansive and destructive lesion, it is crucial that clinicians are aware of this entity so that patients are accurately diagnosed and treated.

Central giant cell granuloma of the head & neck: A case report and systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to describe a recent case of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) that rapidly progressed post corticosteroid treatment while also providing a review of the existing literature on CGCG of the head and neck (HNCGCG), with particular emphasis on extra-mandibular and maxillary cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigators designed and implemented a 32-year review of literature, using the online databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and Proquest. The total number of cases analyzed was 55 (42 case reports; 3 case series; 8 comparative studies; 1 retrospective cohort). CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a CGCG in a 10-year old male. The lesion originated in the right anterior mandibular body and progressed after corticosteroid treatment. Diagnosis was made using a combination of imaging and histology. A timely debulking procedure of the hemi-mandible was performed and there was no recurrence of the lesion at follow up. RESULTS: The average age at the time of diagnosis of CGCG was 27.5 years. HNCGCG was most commonly detected in the jaw (43.1%), but was also found in the temporal bone (33.3%). The most frequently employed treatment modality was complete surgical excision (76.9%). 93.2% of patients were alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up, while 6.8% of patients exhibited recurrence at follow-up. The median follow up was 13 months. CONCLUSION: It is important for clinicians to recognize that CGCGs are capable of manifesting outside of the jaw. CGCG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-odontogenic radiolucent lesions, especially in young patients. CGCGs also need to be distinguished from brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism (BTH) and giant cell tumors, which are histologically similar.

Synovial sarcoma of the head & neck: A review of reported cases in the literature.

Synovial sarcoma is a high-grade malignancy that seldom manifests in the head and neck. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on primary HNSS. This review study includes case reports, case series and retrospective cohort studies on primary HNSS published in the English language. All cases identified via PubMed were analyzed individually. Articles were included according to specified eligibility criteria. The total number of cases analyzed was 243 (91 case reports, 53 cases from 16 case series, and 99 cases from 8 retrospective cohort studies). The average age at the time of HNSS diagnosis was 33.5 years. The ratio of male-to-female was 1.64:1. The most frequently occurring histologic subtype was biphasic (59.2%). The most common location was the neck. Hoarseness was the most common presenting symptom. Almost all patients (98.3%) underwent surgical excision. 55.6% of patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. A smaller number of patients (30.7%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. 60.3% of patients were alive with no evidence of disease at follow-up while 28.0% of patients died of HNSS at follow-up. The average follow-up period was 52.0 months. Synovial sarcoma is a rare head and neck malignancy. Surgical excision with adjuvant radiation is the most frequently employed treatment modality. Regardless of treatment modality, the prognosis of the tumor is guarded.