Oral Soft Tissue and Jawbone Sarcomas: A Retrospective Clinicopathologic Analysis of 128 Cases from Two Institutions and Comprehensive Literature Review

PMCID: PMC12174025

PMID: 40526340

DOI: 10.1007/s12105-025-01811-0

Journal: Head and neck pathology

Publication Date: 2025-6-17

Authors: Argyris PP, Dennis GR, Gopalakrishnan R, Koutlas IG, McNamara KK, et al.

Key Points

• Osteosarcoma and Kaposi sarcoma collectively represent two-thirds of oral soft tissue and jawbone sarcomas
• Male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1, with a mean patient age of 43.7 years
• Diagnostic complexity requires comprehensive pathological assessment beyond standard microscopic evaluation

Summary

This comprehensive retrospective study provides a detailed analysis of oral soft tissue and jawbone sarcomas (OSTJS), a rare subset of intraoral malignancies representing only 1% of such tumors. Examining 128 cases across two major academic centers, the research offers critical insights into the epidemiological and pathological characteristics of these uncommon neoplasms. The study reveals a predominantly adult patient population (88.3%), with a slight male predominance and a wide age range from 4 to 102 years.

The research highlights the remarkable heterogeneity of OSTJS, with osteosarcoma emerging as the most frequent histological subtype in both adult (51.3%) and pediatric (53.3%) populations. Anatomically, the mandible and maxilla were the most common sites, accounting for nearly 68% of cases. While routine microscopic examination remains crucial, the authors emphasize the importance of supplementary immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic studies for definitive diagnosis.