Mandibular and temporomandibular joint arthropathy in the differential diagnosis of the parotid mass.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To increase awareness of temporomandibular joint and mandibular disease in the overall evaluation and diagnosis of the parotid mass. STUDY DESIGN: We describe clinical presentations of pigmented villonodular synovitis and synovial chondrocalcinosis of the temporomandibular joint, as well as osteoma of the mandible, as they may initially suggest primary neoplasms of the parotid gland. CONCLUSIONS: Preauricular swelling is a common presenting symptom for patients visiting an otolaryngologist. Often this symptom is suggestive of a parotid mass. However, lesions of the temporomandibular joint and mandible may also present in this fashion.