Synovial and ganglion cysts of the temporomandibular joint: A case series

Abstract

In this case series, we present six cases with the initial complaint of pain and/or progressive unilateral pre-auricular swelling. All patients presented at our Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery from January 2000 to December 2018. CT and/or MRI revealed cystic lesions with a preferred diagnosis of synovial or ganglion cyst. In four patients, the cyst was surgically removed and anatomopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of a synovial cyst in three patients and a ganglion cyst in one case. In one patient, the cyst disappeared after puncture biopsy. The last patient did not have significant complaints and was treated conservatively. Even though recurrence of ganglion cysts in the temporomandibular joint has not been described before, we observed a recurrent ganglion cyst after complete initial surgical removal in one of our cases. This occurred 3.5 years after the initial surgery.Due to the limited duration of follow-up in most case series, recurrence rates may be underestimated. This case series aims to raise awareness for the possible presence and recurrence of ganglion cysts and to thoroughly evaluate the symptoms before resection is considered. If a diagnosis of a synovial of ganglion cyst is suspected, a diagnostic workup should be performed. Surgical removal of the cyst is indicated in cases where the cyst is symptomatic and has an impact on daily life. Otherwise, a conservative treatment can be considered.

Keywords

• Synovial cyst
• Ganglion cyst
• Temporomandibular joint
• Case series