Tumoral calcinosis around the mandibular condyle

Juxta-articular tumoral calcinosis associated with the temporomandibular joint: a case report and concise review

Background

Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon clinicopathological condition which is characterized by the formation of calcium salt deposition in intra-articular or peri-articular soft tissues. It usually presents as a focal growth of hard tissue, either solitary or multiple, beneath the skin and connective tissue. Diagnostic techniques mainly include clinical and radiographic evaluation. The most commonly involved locations include the hip, elbow, shoulder and knee. Involvement of the head and neck regions are far less common. There have been 5 case reports of temporomandibular joint involvement in the literature so far.

Case presentation

We present a case report which describes the diagnosis and management of a 59 year old female patient with chronic right temporomandibular joint pain and localized bony hard swelling over the right pre-auricular region. Patient retained normal range of motion and mouth opening. Computed tomography taken showed a radio-opaque juxta-articular ovoid mass over the right pre-auricular region in close proximity but not fused to the mandibular condyle. Surgical excision was performed for this swelling via a pre-auricular approach under general anaesthesia. Histological examination performed confirmed the diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis. Pain at the right temporomandibular joint was resolved after the surgery. Serum calcium and phosphate levels were normal in this patient.

Conclusion

Surgical excision is the primary treatment modality for tumoral calcinosis. Tumoral calcinosis may be associated with elevated serum calcium and phosphate levels. In patients with elevated serum electrolytes, it is important to consider the overall systemic health in management of this condition. Management of serum electrolytes levels plays a role in reducing recurrence rates. This case report and review aims to discuss the diagnosis, treatment and overall systemic management of this rare condition.

Review of tumoral calcinosis: A rare clinico-pathological entity

Tumoral calcinosis (TC) has long been a controversial clinico-pathological entity. Its pathogenesis and genetic background have been gradually unravelled since its first description in 1943. According to the presence or absence of an underlying calcifying disease process, TC has been divided into primary and secondary varieties. Two subtypes of the primary variety exist; a hyper-phosphatemic type with familial basis represented by mutations in GalNAc transferase 3 gene (GALNT3), KLOTHO or Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) genes, and a normo-phosphatemic type with growing evidence of underlying familial base represented by mutation in SAMD9 gene. The secondary variety is mainly associated with chronic renal failure and the resulting secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis of TC relies on typical radiographic features (on plain radiographs and computed tomography) and the biochemical profile. Magnetic resonance imaging can be done in difficult cases, and scintigraphy reflects the disease activity. Treatment is mainly surgical for the primary variety; however, a stage-oriented conservative approach using phosphate binders, phosphate restricted diets and acetazolamide should be considered before the surgical approach is pursued due to the high rate of recurrences and complications after surgical intervention. Medical treatment is the mainstay for treatment of the secondary variety, with failure warranting subtotal or total parathyroidectomy. Surgical intervention in these patients should be kept as a last resort.

Tumoral calcinosis: a dental literature review and case report

Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare familial disease characterized by abnormal peri-articular calcification in affected joints, without any associated renal, metabolic or collagen vascular disease. It is characterized by usual hyperphosphataemia with normal serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase values. There are only a few reported cases ofTC patients with dental findings. This article reviews the dental literature and describes progressive gingival, alveolar and mandibular tori enlargement in a 41-year-old female from Zimbabwe with tumoral calcinosis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare disorder of mineral metabolism with oral manifestations.

A case of tumoural calcinosis in the temporomandibular joint associated with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a relatively rare condition characterized by the excessive production and deposition of collagen within tissue. This condition is thought to be immunologically mediated and, in addition to its notorious cutaneous manifestations, often involves multiple organs. A case is presented of systemic sclerosis associated with extensive tumoural calcinosis in the temporomandibular joint. There has been no evidence of recurrence or complications during approximately 2 years of follow up, but long-term follow up is essential.

Tumoral calcinosis in the premaxillary region

Tumoral calcinosis, an uncommon pathologic condition that manifests itself in many forms, has rarely been described in the craniofacial region. This report describes a case of tumoral calcinosis affecting the premaxillary region.