[Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle]

Osteochondroma is a common benign tumor of the axial skeleton. Despite its preference for long bones, osteochondroma may occur in any bone developing by endochondral ossification, therefore it concerns mandibular condyle as well. This lesion is more common in males than in females and it can occur singly or as a part of an autosomal dominant syndrome known as osteochondromatosis. Solitary osteochondroma has a low incidence of sarcomatous change (1%) while patients with osteochondromatosis have a higher risk of sarcomatous transformation (11%). Symptoms of this lesions are mandibular asymmetry, malocclusion with cross-byte, temporomandibular joint intermittent pain hypomobility, clicking, and the presence of a palpable painless mass in the temporomandibular area. Therapy needs a surgical treatment which can consist in a one-stage or in a two-stage surgical approach. Prognosis is generally favourable.