The mandibular condyle as uncommon metastatic site of neuroendocrine carcinoma: Case report and review of literature

Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) metastases are a very rare event and only 73 cases are reported in literature. In about 40% of cases condylar metastases represent the first clinical manifestation of a tumor of elsewhere and may then allow an early diagnosis. However, the identification of this tumoral process can be difficult as in over 50% of the cases it has a nuanced clinical presentation that is very similar to temporo-mandibular disorders.The first case of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) mimicking a temporo-mandibular joint disorder is presented in this report. Furthermore, an extensive review of the literature has been performed in order to establish a correct diagnostic-therapeutic protocol for these oncologic patients.