Neoplastic lesions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): diagnosis, differential diagnosis and intervention

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic and interventional rad iological techniques for neoplastic lesions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Material and methods. Modern diagnosis of the TMJ is based on the clinical use of conventional X-ray techniques, computed tomography (CT), magnetic re sonance imaging (MRI) and interventional techniques like biopsies, vascular occlusion and ablation. Results. Conventional X-ray still forms the basic diagnostic procedure applied in open and closed mouth position. CT improves the diagnostic information and serves as the standard diagnostical instrum ent for cartaliganeous or osseous neoplastic lesions. MRI evaluates soft ti ssue infiltration in multiplanar techniques and high spatial resolution. In terventional vascular and ablative techniques improve the treatment of neop lastic disorders. Conclusion. Radiological diagnostic procedures are essentials for the diagn osis and intervention of neoplastic lesions of the temporomandibular joint.