Surgical management of chondroblastoma involving the temporal bone and mandible: Case report

Chondroblastoma is a rare benign cartilaginous neoplasm that typically arises in the epiphysis of long bones. Chondroblastoma in the maxillofacial area is quite rare; and approximately 80 cases of chondroblastoma involving the temporal bone have been reported worldwide. Furthermore, only nine cases of chondroblastoma involving the mandibular condyle have been reported. A 68-year-old female presented with mild hearing loss, trismus, and swelling in the left temporal region. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a round, solid 60 mm lesion with significant osseous destruction of the petrous and squamous regions of the temporal bone. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed a chondroblastoma. The final clinical diagnosis was chondroblastoma involving the dura and condylar head of the mandible. Total excision of the tumour was undertaken via a combined neurosurgical and oral surgical approach. The patient's post-operative course was uneventful, however, she had dysesthesia in the distribution of the mandibular nerve, and temporary paresis of the frontotemporal branch of the facial nerve. The dysesthesia improved within 1 year but very mild facial palsy continued. She remained clinically and radiographically disease-free during the 48-month follow-up period.