Mandible & maxilla

Giant cell lesions & nonepithelial bone cysts

Central giant cell granuloma



Last author update: 1 October 2013
Last staff update: 1 March 2021

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PubMed Search: Central giant cell granuloma [title]

Nat Pernick, M.D.
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Cite this page: Pernick N. Central giant cell granuloma. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/mandiblemaxillacentralgiantcellgranuloma.html. Accessed September 22nd, 2023.
Definition / general
  • Also called giant cell reparative granuloma
  • Central if intraosseous; peripheral if extraosseous
  • May be due to recurrent slow, minute hemorrhages
  • Often associated with trauma
  • Children and young adults, usually females
  • Lesion appears to be unique to jaw
  • Usually anterior mandible
Radiology description
  • Radiolucent, multilocular lesion, may have resorption / movement of teeth and penetration of jaw cortex
Treatment
  • Excision, thorough curettage
  • May recur
Gross description
  • Cystic bone lesion
Microscopic (histologic) description
  • Numerous osteoclast-like giant cells near hemorrhagic areas, cellular vascular and fibrous stroma, new bone formation at edge of lesion
  • Frequent mitotic figures
  • No necrosis
Microscopic (histologic) images

Contributed by Kelly Magliocca, D.D.S., M.P.H.
Central giant cell granuloma

Central giant cell granuloma

Positive stains
  • CD68 (giant cells)
Electron microscopy description
  • Fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, histiocytes
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