Malignant tumors TMJ .

  • Malignant tumors in the TMJ area are rare and could be distinguished in Primary: (Chondrosarcoma, Osteosarcoma.) and Secondary (Metastatic).
  • Malignant tumors frequently exhibit the same symptoms as TMJ dysfunction, with pain, swelling, limitation of mouth opening and decreased range of motion.
  • Imaging Features: Ill defined (moth-eaten) radiolucency with irregular margins. In Osteosarcomas and chondrosarcomas a mixed osteolytic and osteoblastic lesion could be detected with sub-periosteal bone formation orientated at right angles to the original cortex, producing the so-called “sun-ray appearance”.

Case 1

Female 28 years old diagnosed with osteosarcoma in left condyle and ramus.

Case 2

CBCT images of a male 30 years old, with chondrosarcoma of the left condyle. Sub-periosteal bone formation with the characteristic “sun-ray appearance” can be observed.

Case 3

Chondrosarcoma in the right condyle.