Primary Mandibular Condyle Xanthoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Skeletal Radiology
• Dermatopathology

Background:

• Bone xanthoma is a rare benign bone lesion characterized by foamy macrophages.
• Primary xanthoma lacks associated endocrine or metabolic diseases.
• Differential diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific clinical and radiologic features.

Observation:

• A case of primary mandibular xanthoma in a 16-year-old female is presented.
• The patient lacked typical cutaneous manifestations and abnormal lipid levels.
• Unusual involvement of the mandibular condyle within the temporomandibular joint was noted.

Findings:

• Histologically, the lesion comprised sheets of lipid-laden macrophages (foamy cells).
• The mandibular xanthoma presented without systemic metabolic or endocrine abnormalities.
• Systematic literature review on primary jaw xanthomas was conducted.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering primary xanthoma in jaw lesions, even without systemic signs.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial to differentiate from potentially malignant conditions.
• Treatment guidelines for primary xanthoma of the jaws are proposed based on literature review.