A gradually increasing painless swelling in the upper maxilla – A case report of peripheral giant cell granuloma

Abstract

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a benign inflammatory hyperplasic, exophytic lesion of unknown etiology. It develops on the gingiva and alveolar ridge. It could represent a local reaction to trauma or irritation. Management requires a surgical excision of the lesion and elaborate recall due to possible recurrence. This article describes the clinical and histopathological features and management of PGCG as it appeared in the maxillary anterior region of a 35-year-old female patient with a chief complaint of painless swelling in the anterior maxillary region. Intraoral periapical radiograph showed the features that suggested a soft-tissue lesion causing cupping resorption of the maxilla. The lesion was completely excised, biopsy was performed after that, under local anesthesia, and the tissue was examined histopathologically. The lesion was diagnosed as PGCG after thorough clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic examinations. A surgical excision of the growth, including its base, as well as the eradication of any underlying causes should be included in the therapy due to its fast growth pattern and propensity to resorb bone with subsequent tooth movement. Regular postsurgical follow-up is crucial to preventing the tumor from reoccurring.

Keywords

• cupping resorption
• intraoral periapical radiograph
• peripheral giant cell granuloma