title: Hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis to the condyle: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Metastatic tumor invasion of the condyle from the liver is rare. It is important for dental practitioners to differentiate tumor involvement from musculoskeletal disorders such as temporomandibular disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors present a case report of a patient with temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction consistent with musculoskeletal disorders. Because of the patient's medical history, comprehensive examination results and findings of imaging studies performed, the dental practitioners referred him to other health care providers for further and more in-depth investigation. This resulted in the establishment of an accurate diagnosis, with treatment directed at the primary source.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A thorough medical history, comprehensive clinical examination and adjunctive testing, when necessary, are paramount in establishing a definitive diagnosis for patients with orofacial pain, thereby enabling the delivery of appropriate treatment.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Klasser is an associate professor, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1100 Florida Ave., Box 140, New Orleans, La. 70119, e-mail gklass@lsuhsc.edu. Address correspondence to Dr. Klasser.
authors.forename: Gary D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Klasser
authors.affiliation: Dr. Echandi is a postgraduate resident, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans.
authors.forename: Luisana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Echandi
authors.affiliation: Dr. Shannon is a clinical assistant professor, Department of Prosthodontics, and director, TMD Clinic, School of Dentistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shannon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000556:secondary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D064847:Multimodal Imaging / Q000379:methods; D010166:Palliative Care; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods
keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma; malignant tumor; metastatic lesion; temporomandibular disorders