Tumors and tumorous masses presenting as temporomandibular joint syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

Neoplasms of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) usually mimic common causes of TMJ syndrome, leading to delay in diagnosis. To increase awareness of TMJ neoplasms and establish guidelines for early intervention, we performed a retrospective analysis of a series of patients with neoplasms of the TMJ.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective review of the records of patients with neoplasms of the TMJ from 1990 to 1997 was done.

RESULTS

Six patients were identified. The neoplasms included benign and malignant neoplasms. The time from initial presentation to final diagnosis was in most cases prolonged, ranging from 3 months to 8 years. Patients typically showed advanced lesions radiographically. All patients required surgical extirpation. Postoperative radiation therapy was used for malignant lesions. Patient outcomes were delineated.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Neoplasms, both benign and malignant, of the TMJ are rare but represent a challenging diagnostic problem. In patients with 1 month or more of recalcitrant TMJ swelling or pain, radiographic imaging may be considered to rule out these rare neoplasms. This may lead to earlier intervention and improved outcome.