Pathological characteristics of metastatic carcinoma in the human mandible.

Based on the large celloidin-embedded section method, human mandibles from 62 autopsied carcinoma cases were examined histologically to determine the pathological characteristics of any mandibular metastases. Metastasis was confirmed histologically in 10 (16%) of the 62 cases and was comparatively frequent with gastric and pulmonary carcinomas. The hemopoietic areas in the mandibular marrow seemed to favor the early deposition of tumor cells. These micrometastatic foci seemed to increase in size, spreading to all parts, including the periodontal tissue or anterior part of the mandibular body. Increased hemopoietic activity following lodgement, seemed to play an important role for further metastases. Roentgenographic examination did not seem to be the best method of detecting metastasis.