Central giant cell granuloma of the mandibular condyle: additional case and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws is not a common lesion. Only five cases are reported in the mandibular condyle. Observation: A 25 year-old male presented with preauricular swelling and a premature occlusal contact on the molars. The lesion had radiological features of aggressiveness and a high metabolic uptake. Initial biopsy was misleading. The lesion was treated surgically by resection. Discussion: Histologically, CGCG are very similar to other giant cell lesions such as GCT (Giant cell Tumor) or BTH (brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism). The standard treatment is surgical either by curettage or resection. Only 6 cases have been described in the literature, including this one. The diagnosis is difficult, relying on a bundle of clinical, radiological and histological arguments. However, radical surgery should be performed to avoid the tumor recurrence. The genetic mutations associated with CGCG (notably TRPV4 and RAS pathway) may explain why this tumor is mostly found in the dental part of the jaws and only rarely in the mandibular condyle.