Tumor-like swelling in the parotid-masseteric region due to condylar involvement of osteomyelitis of the mandible: Report of three cases

Mandibular osteomyelitis often causes infection of the masticator space. Recent studies have shown the value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of infection. CT occasionally also suggests its etiology. The present three cases of mandibular osteomyelitis showed condylar involvement which caused a tumor-like swelling in the parotid-masseteric region. In one case, the true cause of infection was unclear, even by computed tomography. In two of the three cases, sialography was performed, and it showed a unique extraglandular mass pattern. It was suggested from the results that sialography and/or CT-sialography should be performed to rule out the etiology of the infection from a parotid lesion, if the true cause of infection is unclear.