Synovial Cysts of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Immunohistochemical Characterization and Literature Review

Abstract

Synovial cysts of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are very rare, and to date, only 12 cases of a synovial cyst in the TMJ region have been reported in the literature. In this paper, we present the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of one such lesion affecting a 48-year-old woman, presented with a mass in the left preauricular region. We describe the usefulness of immunohistochemical analysis for recognizing the synovial lining, which allowed for clear differentiation between ganglion and synovial cysts. Immunohistochemical analyses can be used to diagnose synovial cysts with certainty; however, using at least two markers is advisable to distinguish the two existing synovial cell subtypes. Our findings indicate that synovial cysts of TMJ possess an internal lining dominated by type B (fibroblast-like) synoviocytes.

Bilateral synovial cysts of the temporomandibular joint

“…On review of the literature, there are 29 reported cases of unilateral synovial cysts of the TMJ in the English literature 1–20. This is the second case report of bilateral TMJ synovial cysts.…”

Ganglion and Synovial Cyst of the Temporomandibular Joint

“…A synovial cyst is lined by an endothelium with synoviocytes and may or may not connect with a joint’s cavity. 18 , 19 …”

Auriculotemporal Neuralgia Secondary to TMJ Synovial Cyst: A Rare Presentation of a Rare Entity

“…Between the two, the synovial cyst is a rarely reported condition with varied symptoms based upon the size of the cyst. To our knowledge, there are only 14 case reports of this condition in the literature . In these prior cases, the main presenting features were local pain, tenderness, and swelling of the area.…”

“…Synovial cysts of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are rare, and to our knowledge, only 14 case reports exist to date . The initial presentation is varied, though local pain, tenderness, and swelling are the most frequent presenting symptoms.…”