Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: case report and the literature review for postoperative radiotherapy

Abstract

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative disorder of the synovium that usually involves joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It presents rarely, however, in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This paper reports a 59-year-old female patient with PVNS of the TMJ and its clinico-pathologic features are discussed. The patient was treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). Follow-up was conducted, and there were no recurrences, metastases, skin changes or joint stiffness noted. The main treatment of PVNS is surgical resection. However, postoperative radiotherapy is important for local control of extensive tumors or positive margins. We conducted a literature review for postoperative radiotherapy case reports related to PVNS of the TMJ.