Head and neck osteosarcoma in adults: the province of alberta experience over 26 years

Publication

Head and neck osteosarcoma in adults: the province of alberta experience over 26 years

Journal Paper/Review - Oct 1, 2008

Huber Gerhard, Dziegielewski Peter, Wayne Matthews T, Dort Joseph C

Units

Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik

PubMed

19128686

Citation

Huber G, Dziegielewski P, Wayne Matthews T, Dort J. Head and neck osteosarcoma in adults: the province of alberta experience over 26 years. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 37:738-43.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008; 37

Publication Date

Oct 1, 2008

Issn Electronic

1916-0216

Pages

738-43

Brief description/objective

OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to describe the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of osteosarcomas in the head and neck over 26 years in the province of Alberta, Canada.

DESIGN
Retrospective analysis of 14 patients identified and treated in Alberta between 1974 and 1999. Overall and disease-specific survival were the most important outcomes of interest.

RESULTS
The average age was 43 years. The maxilla was the most common primary site. The majority of the patients received surgical treatment in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy. Disease-specific survival was 42% at 2 years and 30.1% at 5 years. Four patients developed osteosarcomas in the field of previous radiation.

CONCLUSIONS
Osteosarcoma of the head and neck is very aggressive. In our series, mostly high-grade malignancy affected a middle-aged population. Surgical resection is difficult owing to anatomic restraints, and adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered in most patients. The series is notable for the poor outcome, with a 5-year actuarial survival of 30%. This may reflect the lack of a standardized treatment protocol.