Clinical and radiological features of central giant-cell lesions of the jaw.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological features of central giant-cell lesions that were diagnosed in The Netherlands between January 1, 1990, and January 1, 1995.


METHODS
A population-based retrospective study was carried out, examining all patients with a central giant-cell lesion from this period.


RESULTS
In 83 patients there was a central giant-cell granuloma (89 lesions). Aggressive signs and symptoms (pain, paresthesia, or root resorption) were found in 16 (19.3%) patients. Multiple lesions occurred in 3 (3.6%) patients. The overall recurrence rate was 26.3%, and there was a higher recurrence rate in patients who exhibited aggressive signs and symptoms than in patients without these features (RR 1.6). In 5 patients a clinical diagnosis of cherubism or concomitant neurofibromatosis type 1 was made (14 lesions).


CONCLUSIONS
In a general population, large and aggressive lesions are less common than suggested by the literature. Multiple lesions, however, occur more frequently than previously assumed. In patients with aggressive signs and symptoms, surgical curettage is not an effective therapy.
De Lange
Jan
J
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Academic Medical Center and Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands. lotte.jan@wxs.nl
Van den Akker
Hans P
HP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002636:Cherubism / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000473:pathology; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000209:etiology
D002116:Calcitonin