Periosteal osteosarcoma of the jaw bones: a clinicopathological review

Abstract

Periosteal osteosarcoma (PO) is a rare variant of osteosarcoma that arises on the surface of bones from the deep layer of the periosteum. It most commonly affects the long bones of the extremities, and its involvement in jaw bones is extremely rare. PO is an intermediate-grade tumor, and its prognosis is usually better than that of conventional intramedullary osteosarcoma (CIO). However, care should be taken to differentiate PO from other surface bony tumors that could simulate its clinical, radiographic or histopathological features. Tis report reviews current knowledge of this particular tumor that has profound significance to specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, radiology, and pathology as well as oral medicine. [Oral Med Pathol 2007; 12: 3-10]