[Brown tumor of the maxilla as initial manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism]

The paper reports the case of a maxillary brown tumor as early sign of primary hyperparathyroidism. Brown tumors are very unusual growths in daily ENT practice and an odd start of primary hyperparathyroidism. The AA. emphasize the importance of a correct differential diagnosis, especially with those tumors showing multinucleated giant cells (osteoclast type)--such as true giant cells tumor and central giant granuloma--prior to its management. They also comment on the interesting contribution to diagnosis by imagery brought by CT scan, magnetic resonance (MR), ultrasonography (echography) and digital subtraction gammagraphy to attain the topographic site of the parathyroid tumor.