Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: Differential diagnosis of the parotid mass

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign, locally invasive lesion of the synovium of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. Its occurrence in the temporomandibular joint is very rare. We report two cases of PVNS involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ), not only for its unusual location but also to underscore how its clinical presentation can mimic a parotid mass. Treatment requires total TMJ synovectomy whereas multiple recurrences or aggressive clinical behavior may require postoperative radiation therapy following complete surgical extirpation.