Chondrosarcoma of ramus and coronoid process: A rare entity

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm that is characterized by formation of cartilage, with progressive local invasion to the surrounding tissues. Currently, it is the second most common bone tumour next to osteosarcoma and comprises 10-12% of all malignant bone tumours. They usually involve the long bones, approximately 1% to 3% of chondrosarcomas occurs in the maxillofacial region, predominately in the anterior maxilla, while other facial bones are less affected. The favoured site of involvement in mandible is the molar region and symphysis region, they rarely occur in ramus, condyle and coronoid process. Even though, the clinical and radiological features are characteristic but not conclusive at early stages. It is reported that ultimate diagnosis of chondrosarcoma takes about 12 months in average, due to its varied clinical behaviour. Treatment of chondrosarcoma is usually surgical but prognosis of the jaw lesions is poor as compared to that of long bones due to their direct extension to the skull base or distant metastasis. Thus, clinical course of chondrosarcomas of jaws necessitates a prompt diagnosis and early intervention which could be crucial in saving patient’s life. Hence, Oral physician plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis which could contribute towards better prognosis. This paper reports a rare case of chondrosarcoma of mandible in a 40 year old male who has presented to our department with a chief complaint of swelling in left parotid region with a follow up of 4 months.