Giant Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Mandibular Condyle Mimicking Parotid Tumor: A Case Report and 22-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare benign non-odontogenic cyst that occurs most commonly in the posterior mandible. Occurrence in the mandibular condyle is rare. We present a case that was initially misdiagnosed as a parotid gland tumor and later was found to be an ABC. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old man presents with a painless firm swelling on the right preauricular region. Panoramic imaging revealed a radiolucent lesion in the right condyle and ascending ramus of the mandible with complete erosion of the bony surface losing the condyle configuration. The lesion was excised, and the mandible was curetted. A split-thickness left clavicular joint graft was harvested for reconstruction of the right condyle of the mandible. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst. The patient was followed for 22 years without any evidence of recurrence. Conclusions: Tumors of the jaws and cystic lesions may mimic benign salivary gland pathology. Appropriate clinical and radiographic examination should be utilized to exclude this from the differential diagnosis. Complete surgical excision of the lesion and reconstruction of the condyle may be utilized to provide patients with good results.