TMD Evaluation Reveals Brain Tumor with 10-Year Comparison

A 69-year-old female with chronic TMJ symptoms and a history of multiple craniofacial surgeries was referred for TMD evaluation. The radiologist identified lytic changes in the left skull. Because a scan from 10 years prior was available for comparison, the radiologist could confirm the appearance of the skull had been normal previously. An MRI was recommended. The patient underwent MRI, which confirmed a brain tumor. The patient returned three years later with post-surgical changes showing the tumor had been resected. The radiologist noted that most brain tumors are not visible on CBCT, but this one was causing erosion of the bone, making detection possible. The patient confirmed the lesion had been previously unknown to them.