Metastasis to the oral and maxillofacial region. A systematic review

J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Oct;123(5):e474-e483. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2021.12.009. Epub 2021 Dec 20.

Abstract

Objective: Metastasis to oral and maxillofacial region (MOMFR) is an unusual finding; representing between 1 and 1.5% of all malignancies in the maxillofacial region. A systematic review is presented to determine trends in presentation, diagnostic features, and patient outcome.

Methods: Searches of databases were carried out for papers reporting MOMFR. The variables were demographics, patient symptoms, tumor location, tumor size, histopathology, origin of the tumor, immunohistochemical studies, follow-up and survival.

Results: 696 cases were identified; 391 males, and 305 females. The most common race was white. The most common primary tumor for females was from breast 31.1% (n = 95), for males from lung 20.5% (n = 143). The most common location was the mandible 44.9% (n = 313), followed by gingival soft tissue 16.8% (n = 117). A frequent clinical symptom was pain with 17.5% (n = 122). The most common clinical presentation was a mass or tumor 37.4% (n = 260). The mean age was 58.8 years. The average time before diagnosis was 10.3 months, the mean follow-up after diagnosis was 13.1 months, and the average survival was 9.8 months.

Conclusion: MOMFR shows a strong predilection for the posterior mandible, with a mass or tumor being the most common clinical presentation. They are frequently painful, and demonstrate a poor prognosis.

Keywords: Gingival neoplasms; Immunohistochemistry; Jaw neoplasms; Mouth diseases; Mouth neoplasms; Neoplasm metastasis.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / secondary