Metastatic Tumors in Oral and Maxillofacial Structures

Metastatic involvement of the oral and maxillofacial region is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all head and neck malignancies. These secondary deposits arise when neoplastic cells from a distant primary site enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and colonise the jawbones, gingival mucosa or adjacent soft tissues. The mandible, owing to its rich vascularity and active marrow spaces, is the most frequent osseous site, while the gingiva and tongue represent the common soft-tissue targets. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, tooth loosening, paraesthesia or ulcerative lesions, which can mimic odontogenic or periodontal pathology. Diagnostic evaluation relies on a combination of imaging studies—panoramic radiography, CT, MRI and molecular techniques such as PET/CT—coupled with histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of biopsy specimens. Management typically demands a multidisciplinary approach integrating surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapies, often with palliative intent in advanced cases. Prognosis remains guarded, reflecting the advanced stage at presentation; however, early recognition and tailored intervention can improve symptom control and survival outcomes. Emerging advances in molecular profiling and targeted imaging are beginning to refine risk stratification and individualise therapeutic strategies.

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Metastatic Tumors in Oral and Maxillofacial Structures publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in metastatic tumors in oral and maxillofacial structures across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Metastasis: Spread of malignant cells from the primary tumour to distant anatomical sites.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT): Hybrid imaging technique combining metabolic and anatomical information to localise disease.

αvβ6-integrin: Cell surface receptor involved in tumour cell adhesion and invasion, targeted for specialised molecular imaging.

Mandible: Lower jawbone, a common osseous site for metastatic deposits.

Gingiva: Gum tissue surrounding the teeth, which may harbour metastatic lesions.

References

1. Concomitant metastatic head-and-neck cancer and pancreatic cancer assessed by αvβ6-integrin PET/CT using 68Ga-Trivehexin: incidental detection of a brain metastasis. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (2024).
2. Follicular thyroid carcinoma metastasis to the facial skeleton: a systematic review. BMC Cancer (2017).
3. Incidence rate of metastases in the oral cavity: a review of all metastatic lesions in the oral cavity. Medicina Oral Patología Oral y Cirugia Bucal (2021).