Management of Chondrosarcomas of the Jaws in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of literature on the diagnostic characteristics and treatment outcomes for chondrosarcomas of the jaws in our environment due to the rarity of the lesion. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the demographic data, presenting symptoms, location, radiographic findings, histological findings, treatment, and outcomes in chondrosarcoma of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical record review was undertaken of all patients diagnosed with chondrosarcoma of the jaws at our center between 2000 and 2020. RESULTS: Ten patients (3%) were identified among 333 patients with orofacial neoplastic lesions. The mean age was 26.6 years (standard deviation [SD] 20.6 years, range 14–82 years). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Eight (80.0%) patients had jaw swelling and the average duration of symptoms on presentation was 18 months. Maxillary location occurred in six (60.0%) patients. Radiographically, all the lesions appeared radiolucent without clearly defined borders. All patients had only radical resection, except one who had adjuvant chemotherapy as well. Recurrence occurred in three (30.0%) patients and one of the patients died. The mean follow-up was 3 years (range 1–5 years). CONCLUSIONS: Chondrosarcomas in this study affected relatively young patients, with painless jaw swelling being the most common presenting symptom. Men and women were equally affected. Radiolucent lesions and conventional histological types were the most common. Radical surgery alone was the most common modality of treatment and the outcomes were good.