OSTEOSARCOMA OF THE MAXILLOFACIAL BONES IN KENYANS

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly malignant tumour and is the most common primary neoplasm of bone; although rare, especially in the maxillofaci al skeleton. This article presents 14 Kenyan cases of OS of the maxill ofacial hones seen between January 1991 and July 1997: 11 in the mandi ble, two in the maxilla and one in the right zygomatic arch. Patients ranged in age from one week to 50 years (Mean = 29.7), with an equal g ender distribution. While pain and rapid swelling were the commonest c linical features, the radiographic and histopathological characteristi cs were as varied as has been described elsewhere. Generally, effectiv e management of most of the cases nas poor due to late presentation fo r treatment.