The high morbidity and the diverse pharmacology used to treat this patients symptoms, implicates a complication in the treatment of orofacial pathologic processes, and the risk of unwanted complication.

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a rare site for bone tumours, and little literature are available regarding their characteristics and outcome. Head and neck surgeons consequently have limited experience in management of tumors and tumorous lesions of TMJ.

Objectives: We studied the clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics and outcome of management of patients with primary tumours of TMJ presenting to us from 2000 to 2010.

Patients and methods: Fourteen cases of primary tumors of TMJ presented during the above period. Five patients were males and nine females. All patients were initially investigated with plain radiographs. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was obtained in all cases. A bone scan was done in four cases. Reconstruction was required following partial or total arthrectomy.

Results: The average follow-up was 3 years (range 6 months to 10 years). Functional and oncological results were presented.

None of the patients had any neurological deficit.

Conclusions: Tumours of the TMJ are lesions with a histopathological profile quite different from that seen in other facial areas. A high index of suspicion is needed for timely diagnosis and management of tumours at these rare site. Tumours of the TMJ often mimic common conditions of the TMJ, such as TMJ dysfunction syndrome, leading to a delay in the diagnosis. In patients who have had TMJ pain for more than one year, radiographic imaging may be considered to rule out these tumours. Treatment of TMJ tumours should mostly include partial or complete resection, the oncological and functional results of which are good.

Conflict of interest: None declared.