Metastatic tumors in oral mucosa and jawbones: Unusual primary origins and unusual oral locations

Metastatic sarcomas of the oral cavity: A systematic review

Oral metastatic sarcomas (OMSs) occur only occasionally, and information about their characteristics is based on the restricted number of cases reported in the literature. This study aims to systematically review the English literature to recognize the clinicopathologic characteristics of OMSs. An electronic search was performed in PubMed Central and Scopus databases. The search included all the published articles (human case reports and case series) up till April 2023, with no time restrictions. OMSs were slightly more prevalent in males in their fifth to seventh decades of life. However, a high percentage of OMSs has been reported in the second decade of life. Lower extremities, breasts and uterus are the most common primary origin of metastatic sarcoma. Gingiva and mandible were common locations in the oral cavity for metastatic deposits. Generally, they demonstrated widespread affliction. The mean time interval between primary tumor detection and diagnosis of the oral metastasis was about 33.54 ± 36.19 months. Death was reported in 83 patients (67.48 %) with a mean survival rate of 7.98 ± 10.30 months. The most common microscopic tumor types were leiomyosarcoma (n = 21, 17 %), followed by angiosarcoma (n = 20, 16.26 %) and osteosarcoma (n = 18, 14.63 %). In conclusion, while oral metastases of sarcomas are not common, those should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the oral lesions. Although OMSs show a high occurrence in the 7th decade of the life, the average age of patients with oral involvement is lower than the overall metastatic lesions. OMSs may present as widespread disease with poor prognosis.

A New Landscape of Human Dental Aging: Causes, Consequences, and Intervention Avenues

Aging is accompanied by physical dysfunction and physiologic degeneration that occurs over an individual's lifetime. Human teeth, like many other organs, inevitably undergo chronological aging and age-related changes throughout the lifespan, resulting in a substantial need for preventive, restorative as well as periodontal dental care. This is particularly the case for seniors at 65 years of age and those older but economically disadvantaged. Dental aging not only interferes with normal chewing and digestion, but also affects daily appearance and interpersonal communications. Further dental aging can incur the case of multiple disorders such as oral cancer, encephalitis, and other systemic diseases. In the next decades or even hundreds of years, the proportion of the elderly in the global population will continue to rise, a tendency that attracts increasing attention across multiple scientific and medical disciplines. Dental aging will bring a variety of problems to the elderly themselves and poses serious challenges to the medical profession and social system. A reduced, but functional dentition comprising 20 teeth in occlusion has been proposed as a measurement index of successful dental aging. Healthy dental aging is critical to healthy aging, from both medical and social perspectives. To date, biomedical research on the causes, processes and regulatory mechanisms of dental aging is still in its infancy. In this article, updated insights into typical manifestations, associated pathologies, preventive strategies and molecular changes of dental aging are provided, with future research directions largely projected.

Clinicopathological Features of Metastasis to the Oral and Maxillofacial Region-Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of metastases in the oral and maxillofacial regions.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, biopsy records were obtained from referral centers for oral and maxillofacial diagnosis in Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and South Africa.

RESULTS

A total of 120 cases were evaluated. Of these, 53.78% affected female patients, with a mean age of 57.64 years. Intraosseous lesions were more frequent, particularly in the posterior region of the mandible (49.58%). Clinically, most cases presented with symptomatic swelling, with an average evolution time of 25 months. The clinical diagnostic hypothesis in most instances was that of a malignant lesion. Breast cancer was the most common primary tumor location in females, while lung origin was most common in males. In most cases, the primary cancer was an adenocarcinoma (44.73%). The follow-up period was available for 29 cases, and out of these, 20 had died due to the disease.

CONCLUSION

Although this is a rare condition, clinicians should be aware that any oral lesions have the possibility of being metastatic, particularly in individuals with a previous history of cancer. The findings from this study could assist clinicians in prompt diagnosing these lesions and subsequent conducting oncologic assessments and treatment.

The first case report of metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma to the oral vestibule in a young woman

BACKGROUND

The available literature regarding metastasis to the oral cavity from colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer, is currently limited. With this in mind, we aimed to report the first case of rectal adenocarcinoma metastasis to the oral vestibule.

CASE REPORT

A 36-year-old Caucasian female with a 17-months history of rectal adenocarcinoma and several metastases was referred to the Dental Oncology Service due to a nodular swelling in the oral cavity. Intraoral examination showed a large, painless nodule with superficial necrosis on the right side of the mandibular vestibule. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the microscopic analysis demonstrated an infiltrative tumor characterized by islands of malignant epithelial cells with a columnar appearance and tubular pattern. The epithelial component presented pseudoductal structures resemble intestinal mucosa, which exhibited intraluminal secretion. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for CDX2 and Cytokeratin 20, and negative for Cytokeratin 7. Therefore, the final diagnosis of metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma was established. Unfortunately, the patient died 23 months after the diagnosis of the primary tumor.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights that metastases to the oral cavity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of large reactive lesions affecting young patients, especially in the setting of a patient history of cancer.

Targeting oral tumor microenvironment for effective therapy

Oral cancers are among the common head and neck malignancies. Different anticancer therapy modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and also targeted molecular therapy may be prescribed for targeting oral malignancies. Traditionally, it has been assumed that targeting malignant cells alone by anticancer modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy suppresses tumor growth. In the last decade, a large number of experiments have confirmed the pivotal role of other cells and secreted molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) on tumor progression. Extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells such as tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) play key roles in the progression of tumors like oral cancers and resistance to therapy. On the other hand, infiltrated CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells are key anti-tumor cells that suppress the proliferation of malignant cells. Modulation of extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells, and also stimulation of anticancer immunity have been suggested to treat oral malignancies more effectively. Furthermore, the administration of some adjuvants or combination therapy modalities may suppress oral malignancies more effectively. In this review, we discuss various interactions between oral cancer cells and TME. Furthermore, we also review the basic mechanisms within oral TME that may cause resistance to therapy. Potential targets and approaches for overcoming the resistance of oral cancers to various anticancer modalities will also be reviewed. The findings for targeting cells and potential therapeutic targets in clinical studies will also be reviewed.

Metastatic Lung Cancer to the Head and Neck: A Clinico-Pathological Study on 21 Cases with Narrative Review of the Literature

Metastases from lung cancer to the oral cavity and to the head and neck generally are very infrequent and usually manifest in advanced stages of the disease. Even more rarely, they are the first sign of an unknown metastatic disease. Nevertheless, their occurrence always represents a challenging situation both for clinicians, in the management of very unusual lesions, and for pathologists, in the recognition of the primary site. We retrospectively studied 21 cases of metastases to the head and neck from lung cancer (sixteen males and five females, age range 43-80 years; eight cases localized to the gingiva [two of these to the peri-implant gingiva], seven to the sub-mandibular lymph nodes, two to the mandible, three to the tongue, one case to the parotid gland; in eight patients, metastasis was the first clinical manifestation of an occult lung cancer) and proposed a wide immunohistochemical panel for a proper identification of the primary tumor histotype, including CK5/6, CK8/18, CK7, CK20, p40, p63, TTF-1, CDX2, Chromogranin A, Synaptophysin, GATA-3, Estrogen Receptors, PAX8, PSA. Furthermore, we collected data from previously published studies and narratively reviewed the relevant literature.

Metastasis to the oral and maxillofacial region. A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Metastasis to oral and maxillofacial region (MOMFR) is an unusual finding; representing between 1 and 1.5% of all malignancies in the maxillofacial region. A systematic review is presented to determine trends in presentation, diagnostic features, and patient outcome.

METHODS

Searches of databases were carried out for papers reporting MOMFR. The variables were demographics, patient symptoms, tumor location, tumor size, histopathology, origin of the tumor, immunohistochemical studies, follow-up and survival.

RESULTS

696 cases were identified; 391 males, and 305 females. The most common race was white. The most common primary tumor for females was from breast 31.1% (n = 95), for males from lung 20.5% (n = 143). The most common location was the mandible 44.9% (n = 313), followed by gingival soft tissue 16.8% (n = 117). A frequent clinical symptom was pain with 17.5% (n = 122). The most common clinical presentation was a mass or tumor 37.4% (n = 260). The mean age was 58.8 years. The average time before diagnosis was 10.3 months, the mean follow-up after diagnosis was 13.1 months, and the average survival was 9.8 months.

CONCLUSION

MOMFR shows a strong predilection for the posterior mandible, with a mass or tumor being the most common clinical presentation. They are frequently painful, and demonstrate a poor prognosis.

Metastatic Carcinoma of the Breast Presenting as Gingival Swelling in the Maxilla: A Case Report

Background. Metastatic cancers in the oral cavity are usually very rare and are usually an indication of widespread malignancy. In some cases, oral metastasis was found to be the first presentation of distant site tumours. Even though oral metastatic lesions may be found anywhere in the oral cavity, they commonly present in the posterior areas of the jaw bones. Among the soft tissues, the gingiva is the most common site. The presence of inflammation in the gingiva and the role of periodontal microbiota are suggested to play a role in the attraction of metastatic cells. The purpose of this case report is to present a rare case of metastatic breast carcinoma presenting as a gingival enlargement in the maxillary anterior region. Case Presentation. A 37-year-old female patient who underwent modified radical mastectomy for invasive ductal breast carcinoma reported to the dental clinic with a gingival enlargement in the anterior maxillary region. Clinical and radiographic examination showed a rapidly enlarging gingival lesion with destruction of the underlying bone. A wide excision of the entire lesion was done. Histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluations were suggestive of infiltrating poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Conclusion. This case report presents a metastatic oral lesion in the maxillary anterior region of the primary breast cancer site. The young age of patient and an uncommon site of metastatic lesion are the striking features of this case. We would like to highlight the importance of a thorough clinical, radiological, and histological evaluation of any gingival swelling as it could be a metastatic lesion. IHC staining helps in the diagnosis of the primary site of metastatic carcinomas. An early diagnosis and intervention could reduce the morbidity of the lesion and improve the survival rate.

Metastatic Tumors to the Oral Soft Tissues and Jawbones: A Retrospective Analysis of 40 Cases and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Metastasis to the oral soft tissues and jawbones is rare and frequently associated with wide spread disease and dismal prognosis. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic characteristics of 40 intraoral metastatic neoplasms and perform a comprehensive review of the pertinent literature.

METHODS

Criteria for inclusion included: (a) archived cases from the UMN Oral Pathology laboratory with available tissue blocks and/or H&E-stained preparations diagnosed between 2003 and 2021, (b) proper documentation of the clinico-radiographic characteristics of oral metastasis along with confirmed history of primary malignancy, or (c) microscopic findings consistent with metastatic disease with or without discovery of the primary site.

RESULTS

Intraoral metastases comprised 0.03% of all accessioned cases; 22 (55%) occurred in men and 18 (45%) in women (median age = 66.5; range = 18-94 years). Eighteen cases (45%) involved the gingiva, 16 (40%) the gingiva and jawbones, 5 (12.5%) were exclusively intraosseous, and 1 affected (2.5%) the tongue. The lung was the two most frequent primary site in both men (n = 6, 27.3%) and women (n = 5, 27.7%), followed by the colon (n = 4, 18.2%) and kidney (n = 3, 13.7%) in men, and colon (n = 4, 22.2%) and breast (n = 3, 16.6%) in women. Analysis of 1,084 metastatic cases from the literature (male-to-female ratio = 1.2; mean = 52.3; range = 0.6-90 years) indicated strong preference for the jawbones (69.5%) and significant site-specific predilection of certain primary malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral and gnathic metastases are rare but demonstrate a clear predilection for the gingiva and mandible. Clinicians should remain cognizant of such lesions since they frequently mimic inflammatory, reactive or benign neoplastic processes and, in certain cases, are the first indication of occult disease.

Breast carcinoma metastasis to the cheek: a case report

BACKGROUND

Breast carcinoma is a common tumor in women, but it rarely metastasizes to the oral region. Furthermore, metastases to the oral region occur mainly to the maxillary and mandibular bone and rarely to soft tissue.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a case of breast cancer metastasis to the buccal area. Examination of the right buccal mass of a 66-year-old Japanese woman was suggestive of breast cancer metastasis, and a breast lump was detected. Since receiving hormone-based treatment, the patient has survived more than 5 years and is now in remission.

CONCLUSIONS

An oral metastatic lesion may be the first sign of breast carcinoma; oral surgeons should be aware of this possibility.

Incidence rate of metastases in the oral cavity: a review of all metastatic lesions in the oral cavity

Background

Metastases in the oral cavity are rare and account for only 1 to 3% of all malignant lesions in this area. The primary location from which most metastases have been described in the oral cavity in adult patients include lungs, breasts, kidneys and colon.

Material and Methods

A systematic search of the literature was carried out following the PRISMA statement in PubMed database. Clinical trials and case series published in the last 10 years [2010-2020] were eligible to be selected. The headings and keywords used in the searches were “cancer” AND “oral metastases”, “incidence” AND “oral metastases”, “oral metastases” AND “jaw bone”, “oral metastases” AND “soft tissue”.

Results

For the study of the incidence of metastases in the oral cavity, 9 reports of clinical trials and 7 retrospective studies of case series have been included in this article. The primary locations from which more metastases have been described in the oral cavity are lungs (30.6% or 183 cases), breasts (22.2% or 133 cases), liver (15.5% or 93 cases), prostate (9 % or 54 cases), thyroid glands (8.1% or 49 cases), kidneys (7.3% or 44 cases), skin (2.3% or 14 cases), soft tissues (2% or 12 cases), colon (2% or 12 cases) and gastrointestinal (0.6% or 4 cases). These metastases have a predilection for hard tissues. The clinical presentation of these lesions varies from painless granulomatous lesions to lytic areas in the jaws.

Conclusions

Although metastases in the oral cavity is an uncommon pathology, early diagnosis is needed so that in the event that it is the first manifestation, it allows the primary tumor to be diagnosed as soon as possible.

Key words:Cancer, oral metastases, incidence, jaw bone, soft tissue.

A Rare Case of Chondrosarcoma With Metastasis to the Oral Cavity

Chondrosarcomas with metastases to oral cavities are extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only six cases of chondrosarcoma with metastases to the oral cavity, maxilla, and/or mandible have been reported in the English-language literature. The last such case was reported three decades earlier; none of the reported cases were from India. We present the case of an Indian patient with chondrosarcoma in the knee region, who was treated with surgical excision in 2013. However, he experienced a recurrence in 2019, developed upper gingival metastasis in 2020, and succumbed within two months of this unique presentation. Oral metastatic lesions have a wide differential diagnosis, and awareness of this rare presentation can help clinicians maintain an index of suspicion for an underlying metastatic malignancy. Our experience emphasizes the importance of detailed history-taking, clinical examination, and consideration of metastases as a differential diagnosis, even if there is no reported history of malignancy. Such lesions may also be the first sign of an occult primary tumor, which will require prompt investigation for early diagnosis and treatment.

Salivary gland cystadenocarcinoma: Rare neoplasm in buccal mucosa

A 72-year-old female was referred for diagnosis of a lesion located in the right buccal mucosa, with duration unknown. At intraoral examination, the lesion appeared as a well-delimited, mobile, and submucosal nodule. A benign mesenchymal neoplasm was the main hypothesis of diagnosis. Histopathological analysis revealed salivary gland neoplasm formed by atypical cells often arranged in microcystic structures, with frequent intraluminal papillary projections. The tumor cells presented positivity for CK7 and negativity for CK20. Based on these features, the diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma was established. The patient was submitted to wide surgical resection. No recurrence was observed after 48 months. Although rare, cystadenocarcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral submucosal nodules.

Malignant Lesions Mimicking Endodontic Pathoses Lesion: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Malignant nonendodontic periapical lesions represent a rare diagnosis, in which few case have been reported about this condition. Due to the low occurrence and little exploration of this subject, serious errors of diagnosis are observed in the oral medicine services. In this sense, the purpose of the present review was to integrate the information on the record published on malignant lesions that mimic endodontic pathoses into a comprehensive analysis of their clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features.

METHODS

An online search was made in March 2020 in the following databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligibility criteria included publications having enough clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic information to confirm the diagnosis. Data were assessed descriptively.

RESULTS

Forty-nine publications from 16 countries comprising 60 cases were included. There is a nearly equal occurrence rate between males and females (male/female ratio is 49.15%/50.84%) with a mean age of 46.56 years. The lesions were more prevalent in the posterior mandibles (40.69%), and, radiographically, they were unilocular radiolucent. Histopathologic analysis showed metastasis (26.67%) as the most prevalent lesion followed by salivary gland malignant disease (25%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present systematic review revealed several histologic types of malignant periapical lesions that could be mimicking endodontic pathoses. Because these lesions usually do not show clinical or radiologic features of malignant alteration, clinicians should consider these hypotheses in their routine.