Craniofacial Osteochondroma: A Rare Case Located in the Zygomatic Arch

Abstract

Introduction: Osteochondroma is a benign neoplasm that often occurs in the distal long bones. Rare cases of this tumor have been reported in the facial region. In this publication we describe the 11th case to date of an osteochondroma of the zygomatic arch. Case report: A 12 year-old female presented to our clinic with a left cheek swelling that she started to note 3 years before. The CT scan revealed a tumorous bone outgrowth orginating from the left zygomatic arch. The cortical bone and cancellous bone of the tumor are continuous with the cortical bone and cancellous bone of the zygomatic arch. The patient was operated on under general anaesthesia. The procedure was performed endobuccally. The anatomopathological study of the operative specimen concluded that it was an osteochondroma. After the surgery, the patient had a smooth recovery with no complications or facial nerve weakness, and was discharged on the same day. One week later, a 25 mm opening was observed with no deflection. Conclusion: Surgeons should be cognizant of the potential occurrence of an osteochondroma of the zygomatic arch and consider the associated implications in terms of surgical approach.