Chondrosarcoma of the Mandibular Condyle: A Case Report

Abstract

Chondrosarcomas are slow-growing, malignant mesenchymal neoplasms characterized by formation of cartilage by the tumoral cells. They display a wide range of morphological features from a well-differentiated growing mass resembling a benign cartilage tumour to a high-grade malignancy with aggressive local invasion. Only 5% to 10% of this neoplasm is confined to the head and neck region. Chondrosarcomas of the mandibular condyle may manifest the typical symptoms of the temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. Tumours of the condyle can reach a large size without producing clinically obvious swellings. A rare case of chondrosarcoma of the mandibular condyle in a 34-years old woman is presented in this report. Patient’s chief complaint was pain in the right temporomandibular joint when her mouth was in a maximum opening position. Mild malocclusion, figured as an occlusal discrepancy, was also detected. Radiographs illustrated erosion in the head of condyle. After condylectomy, the excised mass was histologically diagnosed as a grade II chondrosarcoma.