Central giant cell tumour of the condyle

We would like to share a case of a central giant cell tumour of the condyle that presented initially as temporomandibular dysfunction.

A 90-year-old female patient was initially referred to the department of maxillofacial surgery for the treatment of her temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. She presented with a history of clicking and radiation of pain from the right TMJ to the right temple. Clinical examination revealed some tenderness in the right TMJ and muscles of mastication, with no restriction of mouth opening. At presentation, the patient admitted that her symptoms were slowly beginning to resolve. The decision was made to treat her symptoms conservatively. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the patient was triaged for a telephone consultation. The patient reported that although her symptoms were improving, she was still experiencing pain from her TMJ. She was reassured and a further clinical review was organized for imaging.

While the patient was waiting to be seen by the maxillofacial surgery unit, she had a fall and progressively became unwell.