From the Research
Ganglion cysts of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) typically present with symptoms such as swelling, pain, and trismus, and are often diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, imaging studies, and histopathological examination, as reported in the most recent systematic review 1. The symptoms of a ganglion cyst of the TMJ can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Swelling in the preauricular region
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw joint area
- Limited jaw movement or trismus
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
- Headaches, earaches, and facial pain that may radiate to the neck or shoulders
- Difficulty chewing or a change in how the teeth fit together These symptoms are supported by the findings of the systematic review 1, which reported that swelling was present in all cases, followed by pain (50%) and trismus (35%) as other common symptoms. The diagnosis of a ganglion cyst of the TMJ is often challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific clinical presentation, but can be aided by imaging studies such as CT and MRI, as well as histopathological examination, which is essential for confirming the diagnosis, as noted in the study by 2. Surgical excision is currently considered the treatment of choice for ganglion cysts of the TMJ, with minimal recurrence (10%) being reported, as stated in the systematic review 1. Treatment for TMJ ganglion cysts depends on symptom severity and may include conservative approaches like pain medications, applying warm compresses, soft diet modifications, and avoiding extreme jaw movements, as well as physical therapy exercises to improve jaw mobility and oral splints worn at night to reduce pressure on the joint, as suggested by the study 3. However, for persistent or severe cases, aspiration of the cyst fluid or surgical removal may be necessary, as reported in the study by 4. It is essential to distinguish ganglion cysts from other cystic lesions, such as synovial cysts, which have a different lining and may communicate with the joint cavity, as noted in the study by 3. Overall, the management of ganglion cysts of the TMJ requires a comprehensive approach, including accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and follow-up care to minimize recurrence and improve patient outcomes, as emphasized in the systematic review 1.