Giant Cell Tumor of Infratemporal Fossa and Mandibular Condyle: A Case Report

Abstract

Giant cell tumors (GCT) of the bone are uncommon primary bone neoplasms that occur mainly in the epiphyses of long bones. However, GCT with tumoral growth in the cranium is rarely encountered, particularly in the temporal bone. GCT demonstrates benign histological features but is locally aggressive, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The authors describe a 31-year-old man who presented with trismus and an extensive GCT, which originated in the petrous and squamous portions of the temporal bone and extended into the left mandibular ramus and middle ear. He was treated by en bloc resection of the tumor by left temporal craniectomy using an extended pterional approach and canal wall down mastoidectomy. In addition to the description of this unusual case of GCT of the temporal bone presenting with trismus, a review of the related literature is included.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of giant cell tumors in the temporomandibular joint complex

“…Although GCT can be found in any age group, it most commonly occurs in the third or fourth decade of life, which is consistent with our findings. 19 22 This is unlike GCRL, which is found in both jaws with a roughly even distribution and tends to occur in the second decade of life. 5 7 …”

“…GCT of the bone usually originates from the medullary space of long bones, and in the head and neck region it predominantly affects the sphenoid, ethmoid, and temporal bones. GCT of the bone has a male predilection, 2 3 8 , 14 19 whereas TGCT, which usually arises from the joint synovium, presents no definite sex predilection. 1 4 11 15 20 , 22 However, the present study of TMJ GCT showed a female predilection, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 : 2.…”

“…The most common presenting symptoms of GCT include a pre-auricular palpable mass or swelling, pain, trismus, or hearing loss. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 The symptoms are non-specific to the lesion, and vary depending on the anatomical structures that the tumor involved. 24 However, in the present study, the chief complaint differed according to the subtype of GCT.…”

Custom Made Replacement of the Mandibular Condyle in a Case of Fibrous Dysplasia with Cystic Degeneration; A Case Report

“…Giant cell tumour, chondroblastoma, osteochondroma and myxoma are benign (but locally destructive) tumours that very rarely occur in the mandibular condyle [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. These tumours radiographically all present as relatively well-defined osteolytic lesions.…”