Osteoma of the mandibular condyloid process. Case report.

The incidence of true osteoma in the mandibular condyloid process is extremely rare. An unusual case in a 35-year-old man with a classic picture of facial asymmetry is reported. Because of the microscopic similarity of benign osteogenic neoplasma and the hyperplastic overgrowths, the diagnosis of osteoma is sometimes difficult. We believe that the essential differences between an osteoma and an exostosis lie in the location of the overgrowth, the extent of involvement of the condyle, and the age of the patient. Surgical excision is justified because benign tumors of bone do not invariably retain their innocent characteristics.