Treatment of central giant-cell granulomas of the jaws in children: conservative or radical surgical approach?

Introduction: Although central giant-cell granulomas of the jaws (CGCG) tend to appear more often in children and young adults, most studies include patients of all ages.

Aim: Aim of this study was to present and discuss the characteristics, the selected treatment pattern and the outcome of central giant-cell granulomas of the jaws exclusively in children up to 13 years old, during a 10 years period.

Material And Method: Twelve young patients, 5-13 years old were included in the study. CGCGs were surgically removed in toto by enucleation followed by curettage of the bone. Repair of the remaining bone defect was performed at the same operation in five cases.

Results: All patients healed uneventfully and had prosthetic and/or orthodontic rehabilitation applied post-operatively. Regular long-lasting follow-ups were scheduled. Recurrence occurred in two cases (16.7%), it was small in size and was surgically treated again.

Conclusions: Conservative surgery, without extensive bone removal, for CGCGs of the jaws in children was successful in our cases. Additional repair of the osseous defect when needed and teeth rehabilitation as soon as possible are essential in children population. Follow-up needs to be long-lasting, to secure bone healing and unaffected jaw growth. Findings in children population of the present study were similar to those of adults or adolescent populations, although a rather low recurrence rate has been noticed.