Recurrent chondroblastoma of the mandibular condyle: A case report

Tumors occurring in the mandibular condyle are difficult to diagnose based on imaging alone, making biopsy necessary for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan. Chondroblastoma is a relatively rare benign bone tumor that accounts for less than 1% of primary bone tumors. We present the case of a 54-year-old female with tumors in the mandibular condyle and the base of the skull. Initially, the lesion was confined to the left mandibular condyle, and a biopsy was performed under general anesthesia. An intraoperative frozen section diagnosis suggested a giant cell granuloma, leading to curettage as the initial treatment. However, the lesion recurred six years after surgery, and a second curettage was performed by the neurosurgery department to address the recurrent lesion at the skull base. Two years later, another recurrence was observed, requiring a third operation involving the neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and oral surgery departments of our hospital. Due to repeated recurrences, resection of the surrounding tissue was performed. Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of chondroblastoma. Following extensive resection, the patient has remained recurrence-free for the past nine years. Here, we report our experience with a case of recurrent chondroblastoma, which posed significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, along with a review of the relevant literature.