title: Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone-forming neoplasms that account for about 20% of all sarcomas. In light of their aggressive behavior, early diagnosis is crucial for determining adequate treatment. Dental professionals may be the first to detect jaw osteosarcomas in their initial stages. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the possibility of diagnosing this tumor based on clinical, radiographical and cytological characteristics before confirmation by histology.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian man presented with swelling and pain on the left side of the mandible in the region of the third molar (tooth 38). Radiography showed a poorly delimited intraosseous lesion with radiolucent and radiopaque areas. The cytological aspects were consistent with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was confirmed by biopsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Imprint cytology was found to be a reliable, rapid and easy complementary examination. An early diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaw is fundamental to the early determination of an adequate treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, São José dos Campos Dental School, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luiz Antonio Guimarães
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Cabral
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Werkman
authors.forename: Adriana Aigotti Haberbeck
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Brandão
authors.forename: Janete Dias
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Almeida