Metastasis to the oral and maxillofacial region. A systematic review

Metastasis to oral and maxillofacial region (MOMFR) is an unusual finding; representing between 1 and 1.5% of all malignancies in the maxillofacial region. A systematic review is presented to determine trends in presentation, diagnostic features, and patient outcome. Searches of databases were carried out for papers reporting MOMFR. The variables were demographics, patient symptoms, tumor location, tumor size, histopathology, origin of the tumor, immunohistochemical studies, follow-up and survival. 696 cases were identified; 391 males, and 305 females. The most common race was white. The most common primary tumor for females was from breast 31.1% (n = 95), for males from lung 20.5% (n = 143). The most common location was the mandible 44.9% (n = 313), followed by gingival soft tissue 16.8% (n = 117). A frequent clinical symptom was pain with 17.5% (n = 122). The most common clinical presentation was a mass or tumor 37.4% (n = 260). The mean age was 58.8 years. The average time before diagnosis was 10.3 months, the mean follow-up after diagnosis was 13.1 months, and the average survival was 9.8 months. MOMFR shows a strong predilection for the posterior mandible, with a mass or tumor being the most common clinical presentation. They are frequently painful, and demonstrate a poor prognosis.