Ewing sarcoma of the mandible: A rare case report and literature review

Ewing sarcoma (ES) usually arises from long bones and affects the head and neck region in only 1%-4% of cases. We reported clinical, radiographic, cytomorphologic, and histomorphologic findings of the ES in the mandible, because of its rarity and radiologically misinterpreted as a parotid gland tumor. A 26-year-old male patient presented with a history of painfull cheek swelling. On magnetic resonance imaging, a mass measuring 50 x 48 x 45 mm was found eroding mandible and pushing back the parotid gland. Aspiration cytology was performed with suspicion of parotid gland tumor. Small, nucleated cells with nuclear indentation, inconspicuous nucleoli, and occasionally rosette-like arrangement were observed. Neuroendocrine immune markers were positive on cell block. It was diagnosed as small round cell neoplasm with neuroendocrine differentiation and biopsy was suggested. The differential diagnosis considered soft tissue and parotid gland tumors. The small round cell tumor morphology was seen on biopsy specimen and immunostaining was applied. The diagnosis for this case was ES of the mandible. ES of the mandible is unusual. Although the histogenesis is still unknown, various cells have been proposed as cells of origin namely, endothelial, hematopoietic, fibroblastic, mesenchymal stem cells or neural derived mesenchymal stem cells. Small cell morphology, CD99, CD56, neuron specific enolase, and synaptophysin expressions confirmed the diagnosis of ES. The differentiation of the ES from other small cell tumors may be difficult and requires awareness for histological and immunohistochemical features. It should be kept in mind that the diagnosis can be challenging due to uncommon locations and radiological misinterpreted.