Osteosarcoma of the Maxilla Masquerading as Maxillary Mucocele on CT Scan: A Case Report

Abstract

Purpose The authors intend to present a case of osteosarcoma of the maxilla which presented like a mucocele, a previously unreported phenomenon. Patients and methods Clinical features, radiology, histopathological findings and endoscopically managed osteosarcoma of the maxilla are presented. Diagnostic difficulties and previously reported diagnostic dilemmas related to osteosarcomas of the maxillary sinus are discussed. Results The patient has been on regular follow-up for the past 10 months, and is free from any local or systemic disease. Conclusion Though osteosarcoma of the maxilla is a rare tumor about 6.5% of all osteosarcomas1, patients tend to be in the late-third to mid-fourth decades of life, a high index of suspicion and aggressive management can reduce the morbidity that goes with the management of this condition.

Osteosarcoma of the posterior maxilla

“…Nearly 60% of the osteosarcomas are seen in children and adolescents, and approximately 10% are noted during the third decade of life. [ 1 7 ] The etiology is unclear. [ 8 ]…”