IMPORTANCE OF THE CORRECT ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL, IMAGINOLOGICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAMS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOSARCOMA

Resumo

Osteosarcoma, a malignant neoplasm characterized by the production of osteoid tissue and immature bone that proliferates through the cellular stroma, is a rare disease of high aggressiveness associated with severe conditions of morbidity and mortality. Regarding the craniofacial region, osteosarcomas belong to less than 1% of all malignant neoplasms, with the mandible being the main affected bone. In the diagnostic process there is similarity with benign lesions, which requires detailed clinical analysis and complementary tests for definitive diagnosis. Treatment is based on radical surgical removal of the lesion with safety margins, associated or not with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Head and neck osteosarcomas normally affect individuals between the third and fourth decade of life, with higher prevalence for females. This study aims to clarify the methods used for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a patient with osteosarcoma in the mandible. Case report: A 35-year-old female patient attended the Center for Stomatology and Patients with Systemic Alterations (CEPAS) complaining of intermittent pain, tooth mobility with purulent secretion and facial asymmetry. The diagnosis process consisted of clinical, radiographic, tomographic and histopathological examinations, in a transdisciplinary approach. Partial mandibulectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed as treatment. Conclusions: This study envisions the discussion of the complexity of diagnosis and prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma, as well as the need for humanized action of health teams, to provide patient care without focusing so on the disease.