[Giant-cell tumors: three recurrent cases in young patients]

True giant-cell tumor is a rare jaw osteolytic benign tumor belonging to the larger family of giant-cell tumors. It is particular because of the risk of recurrence and potential metastatic spread.

Since 1973, we have managed four cases of true giant-cell tumors in our unit. The three cases reported here concerned young patients who developed recurrence after tumorectomy-curettage.

Based on a literature review we defined this entity among the other giant-cell tumors. We emphasize the importance of early definitive diagnosis based on rigorous clinical and radiological confrontations. Because of its benign nature, the most conservative surgical treatment (tumorectomy-curettage) is generally proposed for the young patient. We noted however that in the three cases presented here, more radical surgical treatment with an enlarged tumorectomy removing the adjacent bone was advisable because of the high risk of recurrence and metastasis.