Fibrous dysplasia of the jaws: a case report

This article reviews the present clinical, radiographic and histologic features of fibrous dysplastic lesions of the jaws. A case is presented of an apparently reactivated fibrous dysplastic jaw lesion, with evidence of cystic degeneration, in a 33-year-old female school-teacher who was first seen at the Department of Dental Surgery, University of Nairobi in March 1986. The dilemma in the management of fibrous dysplasia is reviewed and discussed. It is noted that while conservative surgical procedures remain the treatment of choice, situations arise where tremendous tissue activity would require early intervention by numerous cosmetic surgical shaving procedures. The present case, however, offers a unique management challenge due to the occurrence of extensive cystic degeneration in the mandible.