Expansile radiolucent lesion of the Temporomandibular Joint—A diagnostic enigma

Abstract

Radiolucent lesions of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) represent a diagnostic challenge and a treatment conundrum. Biopsy of the lesions is technically difficult owing to their complex anatomy. The Differential Diagnosis (DD) includes a wide array of lesions including Simple Bone Cyst, Ameloblastoma, Central Giant Cell Granuloma, Hemangioma, Osteoblastoma, Osteochondroma, Chondroblastoma, Chondrosarcoma, Neurofibroma and metastatic malignant lesions though none has a specific predilection for TMJ. Here we present a case report of a large expansile radiolucent lesion of right TMJ in a 22 year old male patient with difficulties involved in diagnosis and management. Though cystic lesion of TMJ is uncommon it is incumbent on the Maxillofacial Surgeon for an early diagnosis and prompt management.

Keywords

• TMJ
• Radiolucent lesion
• Reparative lesion
• Solitary bone cyst
• Traumatic bone cyst