Osteosarcoma of the jaws--a series from Kaduna, Nigeria

15 primary and one metastatic osteosarcoma of the jaw bones in Nigerians are described. The age range was typical of this tumour; most cases were in the mandible. Clinical and radiographic features were often diagnostic but the microscopic appearances were varied and problematical. No metastases were detected and effective surgical treatment depended upon the degree of spread in soft tissue. Inoperable tumours had infiltrated the pharyngeal and tonsillar area. Some resected cases survived for one year or more.