article · Nigerian Journal of Oncology
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths in women globally, with metastatic disease carrying significant morbidity and mortality. Metastasis to the oral and maxillofacial region is rare, representing only one to three percent of all oral malignancies, and is rarely documented in Sub-Saharan Africa. This report details a 52-year-old postmenopausal woman treated for invasive ductal breast carcinoma who later developed toothache and jaw numbness. Diagnostic evaluations confirmed breast cancer metastasis to the mandible. She received palliative bone radiotherapy alongside targeted therapy with ado-trastuzumab emtansine, which achieved satisfactory disease regression. Because mandibular metastases can closely mimic benign oral conditions, clinicians must evaluate new oral symptoms thoroughly in individuals with a history of breast cancer to ensure timely intervention.
Oral symptoms such as toothache or numbness can be mistaken for common, harmless dental issues. Recognising that breast cancer can spread to the jaw helps doctors and dentists detect recurrent disease earlier. Early identification allows healthcare teams to deliver targeted therapies and palliative radiation, improving symptom control and outcomes for patients.
The abstract describes an individual clinical case managed with existing therapeutic regimens, so it does not indicate an application pathway or a basis for commercial product development.
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Introduction: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women globally, especially in low and middle-income countries due to late presentation and limited access to specialized care. Metastatic spread significantly impacts morbidity and mortality rates. While metastasis in breast cancer commonly targets organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, brain and pleural; occurrences in the oral and maxillofacial region are rare, accounting for only 1-3% of oral malignancies. Here, we report a rare case of mandibular metastasis from breast cancer, a scarcely documented phenomenon in the Sub-Saharan region. Case presentation: The patient, a 52-year-old postmenopausal woman, initially diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, underwent mastectomy with axillary lymph node involvement and received adjuvant chemotherapy, chest wall radiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Subsequently, she presented with toothache and jaw numbness, and the eventual diagnosis of mandibular metastasis after further workup and imaging. Palliative bone radiotherapy and targeted therapy with ado-trastuzumab emtansine were initiated, resulting in satisfactory disease regression. Conclusion: Mandibular metastasis, although rare, poses diagnostic challenges due to its resemblance to benign oral conditions. Our case underscores the importance of considering metastatic disease in patients with a history of breast cancer presenting with oral lesions even after having extensive timely treatment, further emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation and prompt intervention.
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DOI: 10.67579/njo.2025.uk2a9tap
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