Central giant cell granuloma is a noncancerous bone lesion that appears in the jaw, usually in young women. It can cause swelling and infection, but is treatable with medication and surgery. Diagnosis involves physical examination, X-rays, and tissue sampling. Surgery is the primary treatment, with corticosteroids and antibiotics used to relieve pain and swelling.
A central giant cell granuloma is a type of bone lesion that appears along the jaw. It’s a noncancerous condition that’s usually painless, but irritation and open sores in the mouth can lead to an infection and uncomfortable swelling. Doctors do not fully understand the causes of these injuries, but jaw trauma from direct injury and surgical procedures often precede the injuries. Granulomas that become problematic are usually treated with a combination of medication and surgery.
In most cases, a central giant cell granuloma develops along the lower jaw. The condition is most commonly seen in female patients under the age of 30, but doctors don’t know why young women are more susceptible than other patients. A lesion begins deep within the jawbone in bone marrow tissue and can erupt through the bone and surrounding cartilage and skin within about a month. A black or dark purple sore can be seen along the bottom of the lower gums as a central giant cell granuloma develops and ruptures blood vessels. A similar, much more common lesion called peripheral giant cell granuloma can develop closer to the teeth on the lower gums or elsewhere in the mouth.
Aside from the physical appearance of the mouth lesion, a central giant cell granuloma is unlikely to cause adverse symptoms. Some patients report jaw tenderness and fatigue after eating or talking. If a mouth sore opens up, it becomes susceptible to infection which can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the mouth.
A dentist can usually diagnose a central giant cell granuloma by evaluating the physical appearance of the ulcer. He usually asks about any recent jaw trauma, previous dental work, and the patient’s current dental hygiene regimen to rule out other possible causes. X-rays are taken to check for signs of damage to the jaw, and a small tissue sample may be collected from the lesion to make sure it is not a cancerous tumor.
The primary treatment for a central giant cell granuloma is surgery. A maxillofacial surgeon may use a specialized type of scalpel to cut away the visible lesion of the mouth and the damaged inner jaw tissue. Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs are injected or given by mouth to relieve swelling and pain as the mouth heals. Antibiotics can also be given if there is an infection. With surgical assistance, most patients experience full recoveries and do not have recurring jaw or mouth problems.
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