Background. Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is regarded as a benign tumour affecting the jaws. The first description of this rare lesion was introduced by Jaffe in 1953. CGCG usually occurs in patients younger than 30 years, is more common in females than in males, and is more common in the mandible than in the maxilla. Electronmicroscopic and immunohistological analyses showed that CGCG is a process that arises from monohistocyte-like cells. CT is excellent for demonstration of bone thinning or destruction. MRI is the best modality of evaluating the extent of the lesion. Histologically, multinucleated giant cells in a cellular vascular stroma, and often - new bone formation, are demonstrated. Traditional management of CGCG is local excision by curettage. Intralesional corticosteroid injection as an alternative nonsurgical method for managing giant cell lesions was suggested. Calcitonin also has been reported as a treatment for CGCG.
Material and methods. Medical literature review was made and a case history presented. A 16-year-old patient presented with swelling on the right side of the mandible. The patient was on hemodialysis for the end stage renal disease for 5 years.
Results. According to medical literature, histologically there is no difference between brown tumors and CGCGs, and every histologically-conlirmed giant cell lesion should be regarded as a potential brown tumor.
Conclusions. General practitioner dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons should be aware for the possible presence of brown tumors in the jaws of patients who have been diagnosed hyperparathyroidism
