Case Report
Open Access
A Rare Case of Epidermoid Carcinoma
on Mandibular Osteonecrosis Due to
Oral Bisphosphonates in the Treatment
of Osteoporosis. Case Report and
Review of Literature
Sánchez López JD1*, Pérez de Perceval Tara M2, Cariati P2, Rodríguez Ismael3
1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Consultant. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada,
Spain.
2Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Resident. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Spain.
3Dentist. Professor of Dentistry, University of Córdoba, Argentina.
2Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Resident. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Spain.
3Dentist. Professor of Dentistry, University of Córdoba, Argentina.
*Corresponding author: Sánchez López JoseDarío, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Consultant. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada,
Spain. E-mail:
@
Received: March 14, 2018; Accepted: March 28, 2018; Published: April 04, 2018
Citation: Sánchez López JD, Pérez de PTM, Cariati P, Ismael R (2018) A Rare Case of Epidermoid Carcinoma on Mandibular
Osteonecrosis Due to Oral Bisphosphonates in the Treatment of Osteoporosis. Case Report and Review of Literature. J Rheumatol
Arthritic Dis 3(1): 1-3.http://dx.doi.org/10.15226/2475-4676/3/1/00135
IntroductionTop
Bisphosphonates (BP) are a group of synthetic analogs
of inorganic pyrophosphate. They are used intravenously in
the treatment of bone metastases of solid tumors and orally
in the treatment of numerous rheumatic diseases, including
osteoporosis [1].
Its mechanism of action is manifold, with recent published studies recognizing: inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption, induction of osteoblasts to the secretion of an osteoclastmediated inhibition of bone formation, induction of apoptosis in osteoclast (“programmed cell death”), an antiangiogenic effect that reduces endothelial growth factor (EFG). Also, associated with the previous ones, there is an alteration of the macrophages and the cicatrization of the oral mucosa by involvement of the fibroblasts and keratinocytes [2].
Maxillary Osteonecrosis (BRONJ) associated with the use of intravenous BP in the treatment of bone metastases of solid tumors was first described by Ruggiero in 2004 [3]. The diagnostic classification of this entity was initially proposed in 2009 [4]. It has been recently modified in 2014, expanding to other anti-reabsorbing bone and antiangiogenic drugs [5].
Intraoral and oropharyngeal carcinomas have as their main risk factors alcohol, tobacco and human papillomavirus infection, especially the high risk oncogenic genotypes 16 and 18. All these factors may act separately or synergistically [6].
In the present study, we report a rare case of BRONJ induced by oral BP in the treatment of osteoporosis and its subsequent evolution towards squamous cell carcinoma.
Key words: Mandibular Osteonecrosis; Osteoporosis; Epidermoid Carcinoma
Its mechanism of action is manifold, with recent published studies recognizing: inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption, induction of osteoblasts to the secretion of an osteoclastmediated inhibition of bone formation, induction of apoptosis in osteoclast (“programmed cell death”), an antiangiogenic effect that reduces endothelial growth factor (EFG). Also, associated with the previous ones, there is an alteration of the macrophages and the cicatrization of the oral mucosa by involvement of the fibroblasts and keratinocytes [2].
Maxillary Osteonecrosis (BRONJ) associated with the use of intravenous BP in the treatment of bone metastases of solid tumors was first described by Ruggiero in 2004 [3]. The diagnostic classification of this entity was initially proposed in 2009 [4]. It has been recently modified in 2014, expanding to other anti-reabsorbing bone and antiangiogenic drugs [5].
Intraoral and oropharyngeal carcinomas have as their main risk factors alcohol, tobacco and human papillomavirus infection, especially the high risk oncogenic genotypes 16 and 18. All these factors may act separately or synergistically [6].
In the present study, we report a rare case of BRONJ induced by oral BP in the treatment of osteoporosis and its subsequent evolution towards squamous cell carcinoma.
Key words: Mandibular Osteonecrosis; Osteoporosis; Epidermoid Carcinoma
Case Report
Caucasian woman currently 56 years of age with no clinical
records of interest (no diseases or toxic habits). She started
treatment with chronic oral BP (Ibandronic Acid 2.5 mg / day
dose) in 2001 because of polyarthralgia and active osteoporosis.
She was in high risk of developing pathological fractures
according to densitometry studies.
In March 2012 she was assessed in our ward for presenting mobility, pain and haemorrhage at the 23 tooth with a vestibular table exposure for more than 6 months. First-stage orthopantomography (Figure 1) and subsequent facial CT scan (Figure 2) were performed, confirming the existence of type III
In March 2012 she was assessed in our ward for presenting mobility, pain and haemorrhage at the 23 tooth with a vestibular table exposure for more than 6 months. First-stage orthopantomography (Figure 1) and subsequent facial CT scan (Figure 2) were performed, confirming the existence of type III
Figure 1: Orthopantomography showing well delimited osteochondensing
are at tooth 23 level (White arrow).
BRONJ (according to the classification previously described).
It was probably related to prolonged use of BP (more than 10
years). It was decided to practice surgical treatment of the
lesion, after treatment for three days with broad-spectrum
anti biotherapy. Under local anaesthesia an exodontia of the 23
tooth was performed, and an alveolar curettage with excision
of bone sequestration and direct closure was done (Figure 3).
Subsequently, antibiotic therapy was initiated according to the
protocol of our Unit * based on recommendations from panel of
experts and pain control (oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 875/125
mg, 3 times / day for 15 days, associated with rinses of 0.12%
chlorhexidine, 2-3 times / day and stopping BP administration.
Figure 2: 3D CT scan compatible with osteonecrosis of maxillary tuberosity.
Bone osteocondensation at tooth 23 level and a radiolucent area
around tooth 22 was present. (White arrow).
Figure 3:Surgical specimen showing tooth 23 surrounded by necrotic
tissue and bone sequestration.
The patient outcome was highly favourable, with adequate
cicatrization of the surgical wound. Only one month after the
intervention, clinical examination showed soft tissue enlargement
in the region treated, with pain and occasional bleeding. A
control CT scan was performed showing left paramedical
superior alveolar tuberosity osteolysis. A biopsy of the lesion was
performed confirming the existence of moderately differentiated
and infiltrating epidermoid carcinoma, classified as cT4aN0MxG2
(S IVa) (according to the TNM classification) **
On 6/5/2012 segmental hemimaxillectomy was performed under general anaesthesia. It confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of 0.5 cm with infiltration of bone trabeculae and anterior border invasion (pT4aN0MxR1 (SI)). Postoperative RT was administered. The patient remained in complete clinical remission until 7/8/2016, showing no tumor in imaging studies (Figure 4). PET-CT detected left submandibular hypermetabolic focus, and the decision to perform homolateral cervical dissection was made. After that, the presence of a metastatic adenopathy with nodal rupture was confirmed, initiating treatment with RT and chemotherapy.
On 6/5/2012 segmental hemimaxillectomy was performed under general anaesthesia. It confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of 0.5 cm with infiltration of bone trabeculae and anterior border invasion (pT4aN0MxR1 (SI)). Postoperative RT was administered. The patient remained in complete clinical remission until 7/8/2016, showing no tumor in imaging studies (Figure 4). PET-CT detected left submandibular hypermetabolic focus, and the decision to perform homolateral cervical dissection was made. After that, the presence of a metastatic adenopathy with nodal rupture was confirmed, initiating treatment with RT and chemotherapy.
Figure 4: Postoperative control with 3D CT scan showing bone defect
corresponding to segmental maxilectomy. (White arrow).
* Report of the Council of Scientific Affairs. Expert panel
recommendations: Dental management of patients on oral
bisphosphonate therapy 2006.
** The TNM classification system we include in this guide is based on the latest edition published by the UICC and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) in January 2010.
** The TNM classification system we include in this guide is based on the latest edition published by the UICC and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) in January 2010.
Discussion
Despite the risk of induction of BRONJ, the use of oral
BP in the treatment of osteoporosis is widespread, since its
prevalence is low. In a study of 13000 patients, the risk of
developing this pathology in long-term BP treatment was lower,
with a prevalence of 0.1% (10 cases per 10,000 exposed), being
estimated to increase to 0.21%. More recently, other authors such
as Malden and Lopez (2012) reduce this percentage to 0.004%
(0.4 cases per 10 000 exposed) in a population of 90 000 patients
in Southern Scotland [7].
The case report presented shows certain infrequent characteristics that we will discuss below. Firstly, the absence of risk factors that predispose to developing a BRONJ, such as poor oral hygiene or surgical manoeuvers (dental extractions) during treatment with BP and presentation in the upper jaw [8]. A proportion of jaw risk of 2:1 with respect to upper maxilla was proposed [9]. On the other hand, it emphasizes the intensity of the BRONJ in its first manifestation (SIII), which could be attributed to a prolonged use (over 10 years) with Ibandronic acid (nitrogen BP with a greater power than alendronate, the latter usually used in the treatment of osteoporosis). Moreover, Conte-Neto et al (2011) described two cases of BRONJ in women without risk factors with alendronate therapy for more than 3 years in the posterior part of the mandible [10]. This fact is explained because the half-life of BP in the bloodstream is very short, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once absorbed by skeletal tissue it can persist for more than 10 years, which would explain its persistent long-term action on the bone.
The subsequent malignization of the osteonecrotic tissue in the context of BP uptake continues to be an exceptional and apparently paradoxical. BP, in consonance with different studies carried out in vitro, have antitumor properties through the inhibition of proliferation and invasion of tumor cells, inhibition of adhesion of tumor cells to bone tissue, induction of apoptosis in several malignant cell lines and inhibition of the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase’s [11].
Though, these are experimental studies that require their clinical application.
In the bibliography consulted, we have only found the relationship between the use of BP and esophageal carcinoma [12]. Recently, authors like Gander report three cases of BRONJ with bone exposure underlying soft tissue of areas of malignization [13].
Conclusion is that BRONJ, irrespective of its clinical and radiological diagnosis, an anatomopathological study has to be performed in search of malignization areas.
The case report presented shows certain infrequent characteristics that we will discuss below. Firstly, the absence of risk factors that predispose to developing a BRONJ, such as poor oral hygiene or surgical manoeuvers (dental extractions) during treatment with BP and presentation in the upper jaw [8]. A proportion of jaw risk of 2:1 with respect to upper maxilla was proposed [9]. On the other hand, it emphasizes the intensity of the BRONJ in its first manifestation (SIII), which could be attributed to a prolonged use (over 10 years) with Ibandronic acid (nitrogen BP with a greater power than alendronate, the latter usually used in the treatment of osteoporosis). Moreover, Conte-Neto et al (2011) described two cases of BRONJ in women without risk factors with alendronate therapy for more than 3 years in the posterior part of the mandible [10]. This fact is explained because the half-life of BP in the bloodstream is very short, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once absorbed by skeletal tissue it can persist for more than 10 years, which would explain its persistent long-term action on the bone.
The subsequent malignization of the osteonecrotic tissue in the context of BP uptake continues to be an exceptional and apparently paradoxical. BP, in consonance with different studies carried out in vitro, have antitumor properties through the inhibition of proliferation and invasion of tumor cells, inhibition of adhesion of tumor cells to bone tissue, induction of apoptosis in several malignant cell lines and inhibition of the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase’s [11].
Though, these are experimental studies that require their clinical application.
In the bibliography consulted, we have only found the relationship between the use of BP and esophageal carcinoma [12]. Recently, authors like Gander report three cases of BRONJ with bone exposure underlying soft tissue of areas of malignization [13].
Conclusion is that BRONJ, irrespective of its clinical and radiological diagnosis, an anatomopathological study has to be performed in search of malignization areas.
ReferencesTop
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