Unusual presentation of multiple giant cell reparative granulomas of the mandible

Summary 

Introduction Giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG) of the mandible is a common benign entity that presents as a single interosseous lesion. It can vary from an asymptomatic slow growing mass to a locally destructive aggressive lesion. Pathological findings of the mandible associated with cherubism and hyperparathyroidism can mimic that of GCRG. However, these diseases demonstrate multiple mandibular lesions as opposed to a single lesion seen in GCRG. We describe a case report of a 9-year-old female with multiple mandibular lesions pathologically positive for GCRG who has no familial history of cherubism or any evidence of hyperparathyroidism. Methods/Results This is a chart review case presentation of a 9-year-old patient who initially presented to the clinic after sustaining trauma to the left side of her face and developed persistant swelling and pain. Imaging showed multiple cystic lesions of the mandiblular rami bilaterally. She underwent curettage and excisional biopsies of these lesions with bone graft. The pathology is consistent with giant cell reparative granuloma. Conclusion This is an unusual presentation of a patient with multiple giant cell reparative granulomas of the mandible. Although this is usually associated with cherubism or hyperparathyroidism, our patient has neither of these diseases.

Keywords: Giant cell reparative granuloma, Cherubism, Hyperparathyroidism, Mandible