Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma Mimicking Apical Periodontitis

• Published in: Journal of endodontics Vol. 34; no. 11; pp. 1415 - 1419
• Main Authors: Bueno, Mike Reis, DDS, MSc, PhD, De Carvalhosa, Artur Aburad, DDS, MSc, PhD, De Souza Castro, Paulo Henrique, DDS, Pereira, Kenper Carlos, DDS, Borges, Fabiano Tonaco, DDS, MSc, Estrela, Carlos, DDS, MSc, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-11-2008
• Subjects: Adult; Chondrosarcoma, Mesenchymal - diagnosis; Dentistry; Diagnosis, Differential; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Female; Humans; Mandibular Neoplasms - diagnosis; Periapical Periodontitis - diagnosis; chondrosarcoma; differential diagnosis; Apical periodontitis; malignant tumor; mesenchymal chondrosarcoma
• ISSN: 0099-2399; 1878-3554
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2008.08.016

Abstract This report describes the case of a patient with mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in the region of tooth #18 that mimicked apical periodontitis. Forty-five days after endodontic treatment, gingival swelling and intense pain were observed. The endodontist suspected a furcation lesion, and the treatment option that the patient chose was extraction of the tooth. Seven days after suture removal, a rapidly growing swelling was seen in the region. The patient was referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who recommended an incisional biopsy after evaluating imaging and clinical findings. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The patient underwent hemimandibulectomy with wide surgical margins. This clinical case draws attention to the fact that endodontic lesions should be carefully evaluated because malignant tumors such as mesenchymal chondrosarcoma might mimic apical periodontitis.