title: Peripheral giant cell granuloma: a potentially aggressive lesion in children.
abstract: A slowly enlarging gingival mass with a reddish-purple surface is observed in a school-age boy. The lesion was first noted 3 months ago during a routine oral examination but recently it has increased in size and interferes with eating. A periapical radiograph demonstrated focal loss of the alveolar crestal bone in the mandibular incisor region. The diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma, a benign reactive gingival lesion, is confirmed by histopathologic examination. Early detection and excision of this hyperplastic nodule is important to minimize potential dentoalveolar complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, University of Texas, Houston Health Science Center Dental Branch, USA. cflaitz@mail.db.uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Flaitz
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018214:Fibroma, Ossifying / Q000175:diagnosis; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D005887:Gingival Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D017789:Granuloma, Pyogenic / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male