Facial trismus and myofascial pain associated with infections and malignant disease. Report of five cases.

Five cases of facial pain and limited jaw opening, which include two infections, two primary carcinomas, and one metastatic carcinoma, each imitating TMJ dysfunction, are presented. These cases emphasize the importance of (1) a thorough working knowledge of the differential diagnosis of facial pain and limited jaw opening; (2) a complete evaluation, including a review of an adequate medical history as well as a full head and neck examination; and (3) the ability to make use of diagnostic radiographs, including computerized tomography.