Does an osteochondroma of the condyle have to be incised from outside the mouth?

  Condylar osteochondroma is a benign tumor arising from the condylar process of the mandible, which in some cases can cause severe facial deformities as the disease worsens. Conventional excision of condylar osteochondroma uses an anterior ear incision, which leaves a scar that may affect the aesthetics. In addition, the extra-oral incision has the risk of damaging the facial nerve, which is of course mostly temporary. However, it still brings a great psychological burden.  So, is it possible to remove the tumor without leaving a scar? Can the tumor be completely removed by surgery without scarring?  The answer is yes.  In the International Congress of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery held in Heidelberg, Germany at the end of June this year, we reported the first study of transoral approach, endoscopic assisted and precise excision of the condylar cartilage by navigation and simultaneous orthognathic surgery to correct facial asymmetrical deformity, which was arranged by the congress to give a speech in the old and elegant Heidelberg conference hall.