A case of giant cell tumor of the temporal bone

We report a rare case of giant cell tumor affecting the articular tubercle of the temporal bone. The patient was a 43-year-old woman who referred to our hospital with swelling of the left temporomandibular area and pain on opening her mouth. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumor mass involving the left mandibular ramus and condylar process, with bone destruction extending to the mandibular fossa. The mass was removed by gross total resection and curettage, and the defect was reconstructed by using mandibular reconstruction plates with condylar heads for the resected mandible bone. CT during follow-up showed that additional bone surrounded the titanium condylar head. During 12 years of clinical and radiological follow-up, the patient has manifested no evidence of recurrence. Masticatory function is well preserved, the maximum mouth opening is 32 mm, and the left artificial joint can move smoothly via a hinge movement of the mandible without ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint.