Osteochondroma of the coronoid process of the mandible. Report of a case showing histological evidence of neoplasia

A case of unilateral enlargement of the coronoid process of the mandible is presented. The patient, a 37-year-old woman complained of restricted mandibular movement and swelling in the left zygomatic region. Coronoidectomy was performed intraorally, producing improved mandibular movement. The specimen consisted of a large amount of cartilage and mature bone. Most of the cartilage showed a marked disturbance in endochondral ossification. The histopathological diagnosis was osteochondroma. A review of the basic nature of the disease in the reported cases is presented. The value of computed tomography in deciding on a surgical procedure is briefly mentioned.