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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Condylar metastasis from prostatic carcinoma mimicking temporomandibular disorder: a case report
Christian Freudlsperger1, Ralf Kurth, Matthias K Werner
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Tuebingen, Osianderstrasse 2-8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany. c.freudlsperger@gmail.com
Background:
Although metastatic carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the bone, less than 1% of all metastatic bone lesions are presented in the maxillofacial area. As the mandibular body is the most frequent localization, metastasis to the mandibular condyle is extremely rare.
Case Report:
This report describes a rare case of prostate carcinoma metastatic to the mandibular condyle in a 75-year old man, who was referred because of persistent pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region and a limitation of opening, initially misdiagnosed and treated as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Histopathological examination confirmed the suspected metastasis of prostate carcinoma and local radiation therapy was performed.
Discussion:
TMD represent a diagnostic challenge and sometimes an interdisciplinary approach is required to prevent a delay of the correct treatment. Metastatic cancer should be included in the differential diagnosis of TMD, especially in patients with a malignant disease.
