Journal of Radiology
Open Access

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary osseous malignancy excluding malignant neoplasms of marrow origin (myeloma, lymphoma and leukemia). However, only 5-10% are located in the craniofacial bones and most common locations are maxilla & mandible [1-8]. Cranial vault osteosarcoma is very rare with occurrence of less than 1% [1-6]. The most common radiological findings of osteosarcoma are ill defined osteolytic lesion with wide zone of transition, cortical bone destruction, an aggressive periosteal reaction (speculated, laminated type or Codman’s triangle), a soft tissue mass, and a tumor matrix in the destructive lesion. Most osteosarcomas are purely osteolytic however few lesions appear as sclerotic or mixed [1-8]. Here we represent a rare case of posterior skull base osteosarcoma with possible two lung metastases.

A 14-year-old female patient presented with a swelling at postauricular region since for six months. The swelling was slow growing. Patient gave history of trauma as well at same region so clinically hematoma was considered as a main possibility. CT scan was carried out which showed presence of large expansile soft tissue density mass involving right occipitotemporal and parietal skull vault with areas of destruction of inner & outer table and also of posterior wall of right mastoid (Figure 1). On MRI study, the mass was seen as isointense on T1 weighted, T2 weighted and FLAIR images with compression over right cerebellum (Figure 2) and area of hemorrhage within which was seen as hyperintense area on T1W images & corresponding loss of signal on susceptibility weighted images. The lesion also causes mild compression over right transverse sinus and is supplied by right occipital and temporal arteries (Figure 3). Screening of thorax and abdomen was also done to rule out metastases. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of thorax showed presence of two well-defined nodules in left upper and right lower lobes (Figure 4), which were proved to be metastases. Biopsy was taken from the lesion and was proven to be a high grade osteoblastic osteosarcoma. Therefore, the lesion was completely removed and post-surgical CT scan was also done which showed complete resection of the mass (Figure 5).

Figure 1: Axial CT scan of brain shows destruction of posterior wall of right mastoid and right occipital cortex (arrows).

Figure 2: (A,B) MRI Axial T2W & Coronal FLAIR images of brain shows isointense mass with compression over right cerebellum (arrows).

Figure 3: (A,B) MRI Axial 3D TOF Angiogram and Venogram images of brain shows right temporal and occipital arteries supplying the lesion and compression over right transverse sinus (arrows).

Figure 4: (A,B) Axial HRCT images of thorax shows small welldefined nodules in right lower and left upper lobes (arrows).

Figure 5: Post-operative Axial CT scan of brain shows complete removal of the mass (arrows).

Osteosarcoma is the most common solid primary malignancy of bone. However, primary osteosarcoma of the skull base is rare, about 150 cases reported since 1945 [1-9].

Common clinical symptoms are slow growing swelling, pain and a soft tissue mass, which is tender to palpation [2,4,7,9]. CT scan and MRI are the preferred radiological investigations. MRI is superior to CT for defining soft tissue extension and marrow involvement, and the presence of skip lesions. Most common radiological features are an illdefined osteolytic lesion with wide zone of transition, cortical bone destruction, an aggressive periosteal reaction (speculated, laminated type or Codman’s triangle), a soft tissue mass, and a tumor matrix in the destructive lesion [1-8].

Metastasis of craniofacial osteosarcoma is uncommon with lungs as most common locations for metastases. CT scans are best suited to evaluate the thorax for metastatic disease.

Radionuclide bone scanning with technetium is the preferred method for evaluating the entire skeleton for the presence of multiple lesions. The current survival rate for children with localized osteosarcoma is approximately 65%, compared with 25% for patients with metastatic disease [7,9,10].

Biopsy should be performed after complete history, clinical examination and imaging. Percutaneous core needle biopsy has now been established as safe and accurate method for diagnosing of bone tumors. It is done under radiological imaging guidance such as CT scan, MRI or ultrasonography. The biopsy tract needs to be planned in consultation with the orthopedic oncosurgeon [9,10].

The final diagnosis of Osteosarcoma was only established by the histological studies. Most common treatment option is complete removal of the tumour by surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy [8-10].