PERIOSTEAL CHONDROSARCOMA OF THE MAXILLA

Primary chondrosarcomas of the head and neck region are exceedingly ra re neoplasms. These lesions have clinical and histologic characteristi cs that make them difficult to discern from benign chondromas. Additio nally, they may arise from the periosteum, making it even more difficu lt to distinguish them from osteosarcomas. We present a patient with a periosteal chondrosarcoma of the maxilla. Characteristic radiologic a nd histologic findings associated with this lesion are described This is the first reported case of such a lesion in the maxilla, as previou s reports of periosteal chondrosarcomas have involved long bones. The diagnostic dilemma posed by this extremely unusual lesion is discussed as well as treatment options.