Giant Cell Lesions of the Temporomandibular Joint Area: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Giant cell lesions include central giant cell granuloma and tenosynovial giant cell tumor. Central giant cell granuloma is a rare benign giant cell lesion formerly classified as a subtype of a giant cell tumor of the bone. In cases of central giant cell granuloma in the temporomandibular joint, the growth of the lesion may destroy nearby anatomic structures like the infratemporal fossa or mandibular condyle. Surgical removal of the lesion is required; however, only curettage increases the possibility of recurrence. Tenosynovial giant cell tumors are benign tumors arising from tendon sheaths of various joints. They commonly affect the joints of long bones, but some cases of tenosynovial giant cell tumors in the temporomandibular joint area have been reported. This case report is based on three patients diagnosed with giant cell lesions in the temporomandibular joint who underwent surgical treatment. Through this case report and a review of the relevant literature, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of giant cell lesions in the temporomandibular area and report cases of immediate reconstruction using an alloplastic total joint reconstruction prosthesis.