Rare case of isolated osteochondroma of the zygomatic bone: an endoscopic-assisted approach

AIM: Osteochondroma is a benign neoplasia that in the craniofacial district unfrequently can occur in the coronoid process and in the zygomatic arch. We describe a rare case of isolated osteochondroma of the zygomatic bone, undergoing surgical treatment by means of intraoral approach and endoscopic assistance. MATERIAL OF STUDY: A Caucasian woman aged fifty-two, has been observed in our Department on March 2012 because of pain in the right zygomatic area. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the right zygomatic bone showed an undefined, sessile lesion with lobar bounds (Fig. 2). Suspected diagnosis was osteochondroma. Surgery was planned via intraoral approach under general narcosis. The procedure was endoscope-assisted. The lesion was removed by using an endoscopic rotating cutter. RESULTS: No edema, pain or fever occurred during the immediate recovery period. The patient has been followed up for 16 months and she is still actually lesion and symptoms free. DISCUSSION: The use of endoscopy in the surgical treatment of this pathology has allowed to obtain a higher accuracy and a greater respect of the anatomic structures CONCLUSIONS: In literature are not reported other cases of isolated zygomatic osteochondroma treated with endoscopicassisted procedures. Intraoral approach grants no scarring; endoscopic aid gives a better view of all anatomical structures of this district, a good management of the pathology and minimize the risk of pathological fractures during intraoperative procedures.