Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma: A Case Report with Review on Its Histogenesis and Recurrence

Abstract

Giant cell granulomas (GCGs) of the jaws are non-neoplastic lesions that arise either peripherally in periodontal ligament, mucoperiosteum, or centrally in the bone. Histologically, both peripheral and central giant cell granuloma are characterized by the presence of numerous multinucleated giant cells in a prominent fibrous stroma. Peripheral giant cell granuloma is an infrequent reactive, exophytic lesion of the oral cavity, also known as giant-cell epulis, osteoclastoma, giant cell reparative granuloma, or giant cell hyperplasia. It is the most common giant cell lesion of the jaws and originates from the connective tissue of the periosteum or from the periodontal membrane, in response to local irritation or chronic trauma. The lesion develops mostly in adults, commonly in the lower jaw, with slight female predilection although is uncommon in children. Clinically, it shows resemblance to pyogenic granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, and many other peripheral lesions seen in the oral cavity, but in our case it resembled a squamous cell carcinoma, thereby histopathology is mandatory for the diagnosis of this lesion. The lesion although being relatively common, still has a lot of ambiguity. The ambiguity is in terms of its etiology, growth potential, biological behavior (recurrence), histogenesis of its cells, and its treatment. The entity further holds significance because of its notorious behavior and high tendency to recur. This is a case report of a 30-year-old female patient with history of swelling in the lower anterior region of jaw since 1 year. After complete excision of lesion, lesion reoccurred after few months.