Concurrent Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Maxilla: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are widely used for osteoporosis and cancer-induced bone diseases due to their antiresorptive properties, yet they pose risks such as medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Methods: We present a unique case of concurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and MRONJ in a 72-year-old female chronically treated with oral ibandronate for osteoporosis. Following a dental extraction, she developed a nonhealing wound in the maxilla. Following conservative treatment, the patient underwent a maxillectomy and extensive tissue reconstructions to control her infection and address suspicions of an underlying malignancy.

Results: Histopathological examinations confirmed simultaneous osteonecrosis and well-differentiated SCC in the maxillary sinus and surrounding tissues. Despite multiple surgeries, the patient's disease progressed rapidly. Upon examining the literature for patients with a history of BP use diagnosed with MRONJ and/or SCC, a total of 16 cases report a diagnostic dilemma between MRONJ and locoregional SCC. Three of the 16 cases report a final diagnosis of concurrent MRONJ and SCC. This report is the fourth reported case of concurrency to date.

Conclusions: The patient's complex clinical course underscores the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic dilemmas in managing concurrent MRONJ and SCC, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and interdisciplinary collaboration in similar cases.