Primary intraosseous carcinoma of mandible associated with elevation of serum carcinoembryonic antigen level

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare malignant tumor of the jaw. We report a case of intraosseous SCC involving the mandible of a 60-year-old male. The serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was exceedingly elevated. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor was strongly stained with anti-CEA antibody. The patients underwent wide surgical excision of the tumor, and serum CEA level gradually decreased and remained in the normal range. Serum CEA level increased 37 months after tumor resection, and radical neck dissection was performed because of lymphadenopathy. The serum level of CEA correlated well with the clinical course of present tumor and was useful in monitoring the treatment and relapse.