Extensive giant cell tumour of the mandible: a case report with review

Giant Cell Tumour (GCT) is a rare benign, osteolytic, pseudocystic solitary localized lesion. The lesion is common in skeletal structure but not as common in craniofacial skeleton. They are composed of sinusoidal and vascular spaces filled with blood and surrounded by fibrous tissue septa. There is a controversy as to whether it is a distinct radiological and pathological entity or a pathological change superimposed on a preexisting lesion. We present a case of a 19 year old female patient who reported with swelling and pain in the right mandible associated with pain and gradual increase in size since 4 years. On the radiographic study expansive, multilocular lesion extending to right coronoid process was observed. Incisional biopsy showed the lesion to be a dental cyst, however, enucleation with curettage of the cyst confirmed it to be GCT. GCT are non neoplastic but locally aggressive tumors with occasional rapid growth that may be differentiated from other multilocular lesions like ameloblastoma, giant cell granuloma and sarcomas. There have been reports which have appeared regarding its pathogenesis, response to treatment. However many questions remain regarding its treatment and prognosis.