Bony beard: Osteosarcoma of the mandible with exuberant sunburst periosteal reaction

Abstract

Background: Osteosarcoma of jaw is an uncommon disorder found in approximately 5 % of cases. Unlike axial skeletal osteosarcoma, they present in 3rd to 4th decade and carry a favourable prognosis. Soft tissue swelling, cortical disruption and periosteal reaction are radiological hallmarks of osteosarcoma in appropriate clinical setting. Aim: We present a case of osteosarcoma of mandible in 38 year old female showing exuberant sunburst periosteal reaction. Materials and Methods: This is a case report of a 38-year-old female presenting with swelling in the right submandibular region for two months. Results: CT scan of the patient was done that revealed destruction of right side of mandible with exuberant sunburst periosteal reaction. Histopathology revealed osteoblastic osteosarcoma. Conclusion: Osteosarcoma of the mandible is a relatively rare tumor. Such extent of exuberant sunburst reaction of periosteum has not been reported before.

Keywords: Osteosarcoma, sunburst, periosteal reaction, mandible