Central giant cell granuloma in the posterior region of mandible mimicking a fibro-osseous lesion and hemangioma: a case report

Abstract

Background A central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign, proliferative, intraosseous, and non-odontogenic lesion occurring primarily in children and young adults. On the histological level, it is characterized by numerous multinucleated giant cells scattered randomly throughout a sea of spindle-shaped mesenchymal stromal cells which are dispersed throughout the fibrovascular connective tissue stroma containing areas of haemorrhage. When it comes to radiographic features, CGCG can have an array of variations, ranging from well-defined expansile lesions to ill-defined and destructive lesions, with or without expansion. Case presentation This case report reviews an 11-year-old Caucasian patient with a chief complaint of slow-growing swelling involving the right posterior mandibular region. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed an ill-defined mixed lesion mimicking both fibro-osseous lesion and hemangioma. However, microscopic examination revealed multinucleated giant cells in a fibrous stroma suggestive of central giant cell granuloma. Conclusion Our intent in reporting this case is to highlight the importance of thorough clinical, radiographical and histopathological examination for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic interventions as well as to emphasize the importance of taking different possibilities into consideration when examining bony swellings in the head and neck region.