Chondroid Diffuse Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of the Temporomandibular Joint: A Case of a Rare Maxillofacial Tumor With Unique Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Considerations.

Abstract

Diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumors (D-TGCT) represent a rare group of benign proliferative lesions originating from the synovium of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths, with infrequent involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Among these, chondroid D-TGCT, previously known as pigmented villonodular synovitis with chondroid metaplasia, constitutes an even rarer subtype displaying a specific affinity for the TMJ. Despite its distinctive nature, only a limited number of cases (n = 30) of chondroid D-TGCT have been extensively documented in existing literature. This case report highlights an unusual instance of chondroid variant of D-TGCT within the TMJ and introduces novel adjuvant therapeutic techniques to prevent recurrence. Given the absence of definitive treatment protocols, our objective is to review existing literature on predictive markers for D-TGCT, aiming to facilitate timely diagnosis via core biopsy technique, and explore potential adjunctive therapeutic modalities that could complement surgical resection, especially in managing these locally aggressive tumor variants.