Metastatic lesion of the anterior mandible with an occult primary: A case report

Metastatic tumors to the oral cavity are relatively uncommon and account for about 1% of all oral cancers. Distant metastases to the jawbone are associated with a poor prognosis and a survival rate that is usually less than one year. The leading common primary sites for these lesions are the breast in females and the lung in males followed by the adrenals, kidneys, prostate, thyroid and colon. In 30% of all cancers, a metastatic lesion could be the first sign of a primary tumor elsewhere in the body. Metastatic lesions to the jaws are known to simulate periodontal and pulpal disease and other radiolucent lesions that can occur in the jaws. Microscopic evaluation with concurrent radiographic skeletal survey is warranted in patients where a metastatic lesion is suspected.