Infratemporal Fossa Chondroblastoma

Abstract

Introduction: Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign mesenchymal tumor that can behave local aggressive. It most often occurs in the area of the epiphyses of long tubular bones, whereas the appearance in the region of the head and neck is rare, only few reports were published in literature. The incidence of chondroblastoma of the craniofacial region is about 6.4%.

Clinical report: A 46-year-old patient was hospitalized due to growth and pain in the area of the left half of the face, and a tumor of the left infratemporal fossa was diagnosed by computed tomography. The patient was operated with a preauricular surgical approach, parotidectomy, and complete tumor removal was performed. Pathohistological examination revealed chondroblastoma.

Conclusions: Chondroblastoma of the craniofacial region is very rare pathohistological finding, characterized by slow and asymptomatic growth until it reaches the appropriate dimensions, the clinical symptomatology depends on the localization of the tumor. Computed tomography diagnostics provides important information about the location, size of the tumor, invasion of surrounding structures, and significantly contributes to the decision on the appropriate surgical approach. Diagnostic dilemma solving only final pathohistological verification.