Osteosarcoma of the jaws in children

Two cases of osteosarcoma of the jaws in children are reported. One patient was a 13-year-old girl whose first symptoms included nasal and maxillary sinus congestion, followed by epistaxis. She was found to have chondroblastic osteosarcoma extending through the left maxillary alveolar process and sinus. Following surgery and chemotherapy, the patient has been free of disease for 7 years. The second patient, an 8-year-old boy, was diagnosed with juxtacortical (parosteal) osteosarcoma of the mandible, which is a less aggressive variant of the neoplasm. It is believed that this is the youngest patient reported to date with juxtacortical osteosarcoma of the jaws. He was treated by block resection of the right side of the mandible and is free of disease 3(1/2) years later.     

Counting the number of children with disabilities

Reporting that there are millions of children (and adults) with disabilities reduces these individuals to just numbers-not actual people. The use of mega numbers and national averages obscures the major disparities that exist in the proportion of children with special needs in different areas of the country. In an effort to personalize these national numbers and bring about increased attention to the 2.6 million children (5-15 years of age) with disabilities, a review of the proportion of noninstitutionalized children with disabilities is reported by a series of geopolitical jurisdictions. The profession is challenged to increase care to children with disabilities--children who may be members of families being treated in many dental practices.