Recurrent osteochondroma of the mandibular body: a case report and literature review

Osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor that arises in the metaphyses of long bones, but is rare in craniofacial bones. It occurs mainly in the condyle and coronoid process of the mandible, whereas osteochondroma of the mandibular body is exceedingly rare. We present a case of solitary osteochondroma arising in the mandibular body of an adolescent patient that recurred after the initial surgical resection. The second surgery involved a selective mandibulectomy via a combined facial and cervical approach, with preservation of the underlying mandibular cortex. The relevant literature related to this case is also reviewed. Osteochondroma rarely arises in the mandibular body. The primary surgical objective is selective mandibulectomy rather than en bloc resection to restore the mandibular contour and prevent functional or aesthetic deformity. Given the low but nonnegligible risk of local recurrence and the rare possibility of malignant transformation, long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up is essential.