Giant cell tumor of temporomandibular joint presenting as a parotid tumor: Challenges in the accurate subclassification of giant cell tumors in an unusual location

Fine needle aspiration is frequently used as the initial diagnostic procedure in the work-up of head and neck lesions, including soft tissue masses and salivary gland neoplasms. Giant cell tumors (GCTs), both osseous and extraosseous, are benign tumors that occur, albeit rarely, in the head and neck region. Extraosseous GCTs may be further classified based on their tissue of origin and specific anatomic location. Regardless of location, giant cell tumors are morphologically similar and share cytologic and histologic diagnostic criteria. Evaluation of imaging is therefore essential to the correct classification of these tumors. Accurate diagnosis is crucial since the clinical behavior and treatment is significantly different among the subtypes of GCTs. The case presented herein illustrates the diagnostic dilemma between two uncommon entities in an unusual site: GCT of parotid gland and tenosynovial GCT.