Introduction:
Central papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the jaw is an extremely rare tumor with only three previously reported cases in the English literature. This tumor is a histologically low-grade cancer, affecting more commonly in the mandible than in the maxilla.
Presentation of case:
A 65-year-old woman presented with a two months history of a rapidly growing, painless mass of the right ascending ramus of the mandible. The pathologic report from incisional biopsy was a papillary cystic tumor with a differential diagnosis of cystadenoma versus cystadenocarcinoma. Segmental mandibulectomy, parotidectomy and submandibular gland resection were performed. The final pathology was intraosseous papillary cystadenocarcinoma.
Discussion:
Clinical features of central papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the mandible mimic an odontogenic lesion and metastatic bone disease, careful review of radiograph and pathology should be done. Surgical excision with wide margins is the appropriate treatment. Postoperative radiation therapy should be considered in histologically aggressive or high-stage tumor.
Conclusion:
This is the fourth case of central papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the mandible in the English literature. Although it is usually a low-grade cancer, en bloc resection with adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy in a high-stage disease, and long-term follow-up allow the patient to have a favorable prognosis.